Oluwatobi Adu 
CALABAR, Nigeria – Magistrates in Cross River State extend an ongoing strike into its 12th day, after negotiations with the state government collapse over the provision of official vehicles.
Chairman of the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria, Cross River chapter, Godwin Onah, says talks remain deadlocked despite the union submitting a revised compromise proposal.
At issue is the supply of official vehicles to more than 74 magistrates. The government’s offer of 15 vehicles within the current budget cycle is rejected as inadequate.
“Our members will resume work immediately if the government agrees to the 25-25-24 arrangement,” Onah says, outlining a phased delivery plan running from March to September.
He stresses that mobility remains the most urgent concern, arguing that access to justice suffers when magistrates lack basic transportation.
While acknowledging the state’s financial constraints, Onah urges authorities to act swiftly, noting that promises dating back to 2012 remain unfulfilled.
Legal observers warn that prolonged industrial action could worsen case backlogs and delay justice delivery statewide.
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Chukwu Obinna 
Korede Abdullah 
