Judiciary hopeful as magistrates pause industrial action pending government action.
Magistrates in Cross River State have suspended their strike after weeks off the bench, following the intervention of Chief Judge, Justice Akon Ikpeme. The industrial action, which began on Feb. 8, was prompted by alleged non-fulfilment of welfare promises made by the state government in 2023.
Mr. Godwin Onah, Chairman of the Cross River chapter of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), told NAN that the pause is temporary, giving the government until September to meet their demands. Key requests include official vehicles, housing allowances as an interim measure, and payment of wardrobe stipends.
Onah explained that constructing official housing for magistrates in every local government area was impracticable, making allowances a practical solution. While no formal Memorandum of Understanding was signed, he said the magistrates are optimistic that the chief judge’s intervention will yield positive results.
The association emphasized that the suspension is a strategic move to allow negotiations to continue, not a complete withdrawal of their industrial action. Magistrates hope the government will act promptly to improve welfare, prevent future strikes, and strengthen judicial service delivery across the state.
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