The Cross River chapter of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN) resumed its suspended industrial action on Monday, citing the state government’s failure to address outstanding demands.

According to the association, as of midnight on Sunday, February 8, the government had not engaged with its leadership to avert the strike. MAN had originally issued a strike notice on February 2.

In a letter signed by MAN Chairman Godwin Onah and Secretary Solomon Abuo, the magistrates said the decision to resume the strike was taken at a general meeting on January 30, 2026. They accused the government of reneging on earlier promises that had led to the temporary suspension of the industrial action.

The letter stated: “Your Excellency can recall that magistrates in Cross River State had resolved to embark on an indefinite strike to press home our demands. Following your personal intervention during a meeting in November 2024, where you promised to act on our concerns, we suspended the strike.

“While we thank you for implementing the first item on our list—the immediate promotion and regularisation of magistrates with necessary financial benefits across all cadres—the lack of attention to the remaining items continues to cause hardship and disaffection among our members, affecting security, welfare, and the smooth administration of justice in the state. In view of the foregoing, we have resolved to resume the suspended strike effective Monday, February 9, 2026.”

The magistrates’ demands include promotions for members who have remained stagnant since 2015, increased monthly imprest, rehabilitation of magistrates’ courts, provision of official vehicles, and full implementation of all accrued arrears. The association noted that the current monthly imprest of ₦15,000 is significantly lower than the ₦200,000–₦250,000 received by magistrates in neighbouring states.

Meanwhile, the government met with the association on Monday morning to resolve the issues. MAN State Secretary Solomon Abuo confirmed that officials led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Emmanuel Ironbar, and the Attorney General, Ededem Ani, engaged with the association.

Abuo said the association is awaiting the government’s response, which will determine whether the strike continues. “Yes, we met with the government today, and they have asked for time to deliberate and respond. As we speak, we are waiting for them, and their response will determine if the strike will go on or not,” he stated.

Add TheNigeriaLawyer On Google News _______________________________________________________________________ New Year Promo: Get Five Maritime Law Books For N150,000 — 63% Discount The promotion, which commenced on January 8 and runs until February 8, 2026, offers five core maritime law books authored by Dr. Emeka Akabogu, SAN, ordinarily valued at N405,000, for just N150,000 — a 63% discount. Interested buyers can place their orders through the following channels: Phone: 0704 329 3271 Online Store: https://paystack.shop/aa-bookstore Website: www.akabogulaw.com _______________________________________________________________________ The Law And Practice Of Redundancy In Nigeria: A Practitioner’s Guide, Authored By A Labour & Employment Law Expert Bimbo Atilola _______________________________________________________________________

[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials

“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.

Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation

______________________________________________________________________ ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. Bonus: Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.

How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com

Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626