By Kelvin Ololo
The Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Cross River State Chapter, has renewed its demands for improved welfare and operational support, formally requesting a N2 million annual accommodation allowance for each magistrate and the phased delivery of 74 official vehicles before the end of September 2026.
Rising from a meeting held on February 18, the Association outlined their demands In a letter dated February 19, 2026 and addressed to Governor Bassey Otu. The resolutions reached and signed by its Chairman, His Worship Godwin O. Onah, Esq., and General Secretary, His Worship Solomon O. Abuo, Esq., was also copied to the Honourable Chief Judge, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor.
The Benchers, however, acknowledged the governor’s earlier interventions, particularly the prompt payment of burial assistance to families of deceased members and the increment and payment of a N100,000 monthly impress.
MAN stated that broader welfare concerns remain unresolved and require urgent government attention.
On the provision of official vehicles, the Association accepted a phased implementation but proposed a clear delivery schedule. It requested that 25 vehicles be delivered on or before March 31, 2026, another 25 by June 30, 2026, and the remaining 24 by September 30, 2026.
READ: Indefinite Strike: Cross River Magistrates Make Fresh Demands
According to the letter, the revised timeline represents a show of good faith, as the Association stepped down its earlier demand for a more immediate rollout. The vehicles, it argued, are necessary to guarantee convenient and dignified transportation for magistrates, especially in preparation for the 2026/2027 Legal Year activities of the Cross River State Judiciary.
Housing was presented as a critical issue affecting members’ security and professional performance. The Association reiterated its request for the payment of N2,000,000 per annum to each magistrate as accommodation allowance pending the procurement or construction of official quarters by the state government. It maintained that magistrates must reside in safe, secure and dignified accommodation to effectively discharge their duties.
In addition, MAN requested an annual wardrobe allowance of N500,000 for each magistrate, describing it as an important professional requirement. It also urged the state government to commence rehabilitation works on magistrate courts across the state within the current legal year, expressing hope that previously indicated plans would translate into concrete action.
The letter concluded with assurance of respect to the governor while expressing anticipation of a favourable response and implementation of the requests. As of the time of filing this report, the Cross River State Government had not issued an official reaction to the renewed demands.
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