The Cross River chapter of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria has chosen to restart its suspended strike as the state government has not addressed their demands made during previous negotiations. This decision follows a general meeting held on January 30, 2026, where the magistrates expressed dissatisfaction with the government's inaction since they initially issued a strike notice on February 2. They emphasized that the strike was an unavoidable step after the government failed to engage with them or provide any solutions to the ongoing issues.

The magistrates initially suspended their strike based on the government’s promises to meet their demands, but according to their latest statement, the government has not adhered to those commitments. This has led the association to accuse the state government of reneging on its obligations, prompting them to resume their industrial action as of February 9. The continuation of the strike is expected to impact the judicial services in Cross River State significantly.

The implications of this decision are far-reaching, as the strike could hinder the functioning of the judiciary in the region, leading to delays in legal proceedings. This situation not only affects magistrates and their work conditions but also the citizens who rely on a functioning judicial system for justice. The state government now faces pressure to respond constructively to the magistrates' demands to avert further disruption to judicial processes.