By Frank Ulom
Calabar, Cross River State – The Cross River State chapter of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the state government, demanding immediate action on pending promotions and other grievances or risk a two-week warning strike, starting November 13, 2024.
The association warned that failure to meet these demands could lead to an indefinite strike that would disrupt court operations across the state.
In a communiqué signed by MAN Chairman His Worship Godwin Onah and General Secretary His Worship Solomon Abuo following a congress meeting on November 5 at the Chief Magistrate’s Court Complex in Calabar, the association expressed frustration over the state government’s failure to implement promotions for magistrates since 2015.
The magistrates highlighted that while other civil servants were promoted between January and April 2024, their own career advancements have been neglected.
Among their demands, the magistrates called for the immediate implementation of promotions along with all associated financial benefits for magistrates across all cadres.
They also requested a significant increase in their monthly impress, noting that the current amount of N15,000 is insufficient to cover office supplies and logistics. In comparison, magistrates in neighbouring states receive between N200,000 and N250,000 as monthly impress.
Further demands from the association include the provision of official vehicles and accommodation, the payment of a yearly robing allowance, and the handling of funeral expenses for any deceased magistrate.
They also called for the immediate payment of accrued salary arrears owed to the 2019 batch of magistrates and renovations of dilapidated court facilities across Cross River State.
The association emphasised that the delay in addressing these issues has led to widespread frustration and low morale among magistrates. “Failure of the government to hearken to the cry of magistrates and grant the above demands within seven days would leave us with no other option but to embark on a warning industrial action,” the communiqué stated.
The magistrates plan to withdraw their services across the state from November 13 as an initial measure, followed by an indefinite strike if the state government does not fulfil their demands.
This ultimatum highlights mounting discontent within the judiciary, as magistrates urge the state government to meet its obligations to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the justice system.
The threatened strike could severely impact court operations and delay the delivery of justice across Cross River State.
