Backlog of salaries: Magistrates threaten shutdown in C’River

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

The Association of Magistrates,(MAN) Cross River State chapter has threatened to down their tools should the state governor, Prince Bassey Otu fail to clear the backlogs of arrears of salaries the state government  is owing its members since 2015.

The  magistrates also issued  a seven days ultimatum to the governor, warning that failure to heed to their cry, they have no option  than to commence with their plans to begin industrial action and  disrupt  court operation in the state.

Chairman, Magistrate’s Association of Nigeria ( MAN), Cross River State branch, His lordship, Godwin Onah,gave the  warning  during  the association’s general  Congress of  November 5, 2024 in  Càlabar.

He said that the warning became necessary following  the level of  insensitivity  exhibited by the state government regarding the association welfare.

The MAN chairman urged the state governor to fulfill  all her  obligations for the smooth functioning of the justice system stressing  that the low morale of magistrates could disrupt court operations and affect the timely delivery of justice.

A communique signed by the MAN chairman Godwin Onah, and  general  secretary Cross River State Magistrates, Solomon Abuo, sighted by our reporter, warned that failure to respond to their demand they will be left with no option than to shut down courts.

The communique dated November 5,2024, at the end of a congress that  took place at the Chief Magistrate’s Court Complex Calabar, threatened to shut down  courts unless their demands were attended to.

“Why would the state government fail  to implement our promotions since 2015 despite the fact that between January and  April, 2024, the state governor  Bassey Otu, has affected the promotion of other civil servants?

“The  15,000 paid to our members as monthly impressions is grossly  inadequate to take care of stationery among  other things in the office. why can’t he pay  N250,000 or N200,000 impressively as received by our counterparts in other states.” The statement said.

Other issues which the magistrates agitated for includes, payment of yearly robing allowance and  Provision of official accommodation, implement  promotion and regularization of Magistrates with necessary financial benefits across all cadres.