Magistrates in Cross River State have suspended their industrial action following the intervention of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Akon Ikpeme.
The Chairman of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Cross River chapter, Mr Godwin Onah, disclosed this during an interview on Monday in Calabar.
The magistrates had embarked on strike on 8 February over alleged welfare concerns and the state government’s failure to fulfil commitments made in 2023.
Mr Onah clarified that the action had only been suspended and not entirely called off.
“We took the decision after a long meeting with the Chief Judge,” he said.
“We have received assurances through the Chief Judge. We are giving between now and September to address our demands.”
According to him, the provision of official vehicles and accommodation for magistrates remains a priority among their demands.
“It will be impracticable to build houses for magistrates in every local government area, so we propose payment of housing allowances as an interim measure,” he explained.
He added that the association is also pressing for the payment of wardrobe allowances.
Mr Onah noted that although no formal Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the government, the magistrates are hopeful that the Chief Judge’s intervention will produce positive outcomes.
