- …As Cross River governor snubs, jettisons their welfare
…Fails to address their demands
- …As first week of strike ends
Irked by the failure of the government of Cross River State to show concern towards their years of suffering despite several pleas, magistrates in the state have embarked on an indefinite strike so as to press home their demands, DAVID MAXWELL writes.
Members of the Cross River State branch of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria, MAN, have embarked on an indefinite strike to compel the state government to address the issues which have persistently hindered them from carrying out their duties in the manner they naturally should.
The magistrates have long been demanding the immediate implementation of promotions and the regularisation of magistrates, along with the settlement of their financial entitlements and arrears. Additionally, they have called for official vehicles for all magistrates, an increased monthly allowance of at least N20 0,000, annual robing allowances, official housing, and coverage for burial expenses for deceased magistrates. Furthermore, they seek the prompt payment of two years’ salary arrears for the 2019 cohort of magistrates and the renovation of the dilapidated magistrate courts in the state.
But despite repeated pleas and even embarking on peaceful protests, the state government has remained seemingly unconcerned to the plight of the magistrates who despite the poor welfare, have continued to stress themselves to carry out their duties.
In a bulletin dated December 8 and titled, INDEFINITE STRIKE, signed by His Worship, Godwin Onah Esq., Chairman; His Worship, Solomon Abuo Esq., Secretary General and Michael Egbai Esq., Ex-Offcio, the Cross River State chapter of MAN had written thus: “Sequel to our communique issued on 5th November r, 2024 arising from the general meeting wherein 8 demands were made to th e Government of Cross River State.
“Furthermore, sequel to our letter to the Governor of Cross River State dated 1 1 November, 2024, wherein the NOTICE OF STRIKE, was extended to Friday 2 2 November, 2024 to enable the State Government to attend to our demands, and furthermore, in view of the Bulletin No. 1 dated 27th November, 2024 wherein we had embarked on a warning strike from 27 November 29th November, 2024, and the government of Cross River State having failed to address our demands as contained in our communiqué dated 5 November, 2024, or even taking any steps to negotiate with us, we are hereby embarking on an INDEFINITE STRIKE ACTION from Monday, 9th Day of December, 2024 till our demands are met.
“Finally, all Magistrates across the State are to ensure strict compliance with this Bulletin by abstaining from performing all official duties, including court sittings till further notice.”
It would be recalled that AljazirahNigeria Newspapers had in its November 9 edition written under the headline: Revealed! C/River Magistrates Receive N15,000 As Monthly Allowance, how poor working conditions were rampant and the state government was not bothered by the harsh economy on its magistrates. This medium had then revealed that MAN had therefore threatened industrial action over the state government’s lack of concern.
They had condemned the paltry monthly allowance of N15,000 allocated to magistrates, describing it as inadequate to cover office supplies and various logistical needs, especially when compared to their counterparts in neighbouring states who earn between N200,000 and N250,000 monthly, and demanded immediate implementation of promotions and the regularisation of magistrates, along with the settlement of their financial entitlements and arrears.
Strike which they commenced on December 9, but is still yet to get the state government to look their way.
