Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Cross River State branch, has embarked on an indefinite strike action after a stalled agreement with the government over its demands.

The indefinite strike would commence today, Monday, November 9, 2024, as all magistrates across the state have been directed to abstain from performing all official duties, including court sittings till further notice.

This was contained in a statement titled, ‘Bulletin No. 2: Indefinite Strike’, signed by the MAN Chairman, Cross River Chapter, Godwin Onah, and Secretary General, Solomon Abuo, and made available to newsmen yesterday in Calabar.

It will be recalled that the judiciary workers had, on November 5, 2024, issued a seven-day ultimatum warning the government of a proposed strike action on November 27. They embarked on a three-day warning strike to drive home its eight-point demand from the Bassey Otu administration.

According to the statement, the strike action was prompted by the government’s failure to meet the body’s demands, which include enhanced remuneration, and seven other welfare-related issues.

The statement reads in part: “Sequel to our letter to the Governor of Cross River State dated November 11, 2024, wherein the notice of strike was extended to Friday, November 22, 2024, to enable the State Government to attend to our demands, and given the Bulletin No. 1 dated November 27, 2024, wherein we had embarked on a warning strike from 27 November 27 to 29, 2024, and the government of Cross River State has failed to address our demands as contained in our communiqué dated November 5, 2024, or even taking any steps to negotiate with us, we are hereby embarking on indefinite strike action from Monday, December 9, 2024, till our demands are met.