Dare Babalola
The magistrates in Cross River State have suspended their strike action, consequent upon the intervention of the Chief Judge, Justice Akon Ikpeme.
The Chairman of the Cross River chapter of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria, Godwin Onah, announced this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Calabar.
Recall that magistrates in Cross River resumed their strike on February 8 over alleged welfare issues and the state government’s non-fulfilment of promises made in 2023.
Onah said the strike was only suspended and not called off.
“We took the decision after a long meeting with the Chief Judge.
“We have received assurances through the Chief Judge. We are giving between now and September to address our demands,” he said.
Onah said top on the list of the magistrates’ demands is the provision of official vehicles and accommodation for magistrates in the state.
“It will be impracticable to build houses for magistrates in every local government area, so we propose the payment of housing allowances as an interim measure,” he said.
He added that the association was also pressing for the payment of wardrobe allowance.
Onah noted that although no formal Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the government, it is hoped that the intervention of the Chief Judge would yield positive results.
