Magistrates in Cross River State have embarked on a three-day warning strike to protest alleged poor welfare conditions and other unresolved service-related issues.
The strike, which began on Wednesday, follows a statement jointly signed by the Chairperson of the Cross River chapter of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria, Godwin Onah, and Secretary Solomon Abuo, in Calabar.
According to the magistrates, the industrial action will persist until the Cross River State Government addresses their concerns.
They cited the government’s failure to implement long-overdue promotions and improve their overall working conditions as key grievances.
The association previously issued a communiqué on November 5, following a general meeting, outlining eight specific demands for the state government.
Despite a letter to the governor dated November 11, which extended the strike notice to November 22, the magistrates stated that their demands remain unmet, prompting the current action.
“Furthermore, sequel to our letter to the Governor of Cross River State dated 11 November where the notice of strike was extended to Friday, 22 November to enable the State Government to attend to our demands, and having failed to do so till date, we hereby issue this bulletin.
“In line therefore, with our congress resolution to proceed on a warning strike, three days warning strike is hereby declared by the state chapter of the Magistrates.
“This action in the first instance will be effective from 6 a.m. of Wednesday, 27 November to Friday, 29 November.
“If the state government fails to meet our demands, an indefinite strike shall be embarked upon until all our demands are fully met,” the statement read.
The magistrates had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government, demanding the promotion of colleagues who have remained in the same position since 2015.
They also expressed dissatisfaction with the meager N15,000 monthly imprest provided to magistrates in the state, highlighting that their counterparts in neighboring states receive between N200,000 and N250,000.
Other demands include the rehabilitation of magistrate courts across the state and the provision of official vehicles.
The association is also pushing for the immediate implementation of promotions, regularization of positions, and the payment of all outstanding arrears and associated financial benefits across all ranks.