Cross River Magistrates Down Tools, Pick Up Indefinite Strike Action

By Kelvin Ololo

Judicial activities in Cross River State have been brought to a halt following the commencement of an indefinite strike action by magistrates under the aegis of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Cross River State Chapter.

The decision was formally announced in Bulletin No. 3, dated 9 February 2026, and ssued by the Association from its secretariat at the Judiciary Headquarters, High Court of Justice, Mary Slessor Avenue, Calabar.

According to the bulletin which was obtained by CrossRiverWatch, the strike action is a sequel to an earlier communiqué issued after a General Meeting held on 5 November 2024, during which eight demands were presented to the Cross River State Government. The association stated that despite repeated engagements, the government has failed to address the issues raised.

The document further revealed that a notice of strike was formally communicated to the Governor of Cross River State in a letter dated 11 November 2024, with the strike initially scheduled to commence on 22 November 2024. This was followed by Bulletin No. 1 of 27 November 2024, calling for a warning strike, and Bulletin No. 2 of 8 December 2024, which announced an impending indefinite strike action.

MAN noted that several written and oral appeals were made to the state government after these notices, including a final reminder letter dated 2 February 2026, all of which, it said, yielded no response or concrete action.

“Sequel to the failure of the Government of Cross River State to address our demands despite several written and oral appeals… we are hereby embarking on an indefinite strike action from Monday, 9th February 2026 until our demands are met,” the bulletin stated.

As part of the directive, all magistrates across the state have been instructed to abstain from performing all official duties, including court sittings, until further notice. The association emphasized strict compliance with the directive by all its members statewide.

The bulletin was jointly signed by His Worship, Godwin O. Onah, Chairman of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter, and His Worship, Solomon O. Abuo, General Secretary. Other officers listed in the document include Ekei E. Koorffeh (Vice Chairman), Safiya I. Ashipu (Assistant Secretary), Dorothy Jacobduke (Treasurer), Esther A. Orim (Financial Secretary), Deborah Asuquo (Assistant Financial Secretary), Arit Edem (PRO), Samuel I. Idaka (Welfare Officer), and Michael Egbai (Ex-Officio).

The strike is expected to significantly affect access to justice, particularly at the magistrate court level, pending any intervention or resolution by the Cross River State Government.