Cross River magistrates suspend protest as NBA intervenes

CROSS RIVER State magistrates, who embarked on protests and strike over their two years unpaid salaries, have suspended the industrial action. Leader of the magistrates, Solomon Abuo told The Guardian that they suspended the resumed protest late on March 23 following intervention of the Chairman, Calabar Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA), Dr.

Paul Ibiala, after his meeting with Governor Benedict Ayade on the matter.

The magistrates had protested two months ago, but the state government asked them to stay at home pending when their matter would be resolved.

However, on March 22, 2021, they resumed their protest at Government House on Diamond Hill and despite the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Esu’s intervention, the magistrates continued their protest.

“During our meeting with the Deputy Governor, he informed us that his committee had concluded its work and had submitted its report to the Governor. He highlighted the committee’s recommendations and that if we accepted them, the government will go ahead and implement it. “Considering our desire for amicable resolution of the issue, we agreed that the state government should start paying us our salaries as per the report. He then called the governor on phone and informed him of our meeting with him.

“At the end of the call, he informed us that Governor Ayade said government won’t be able to pay our salaries this month, because the voucher for the month had already been prepared.

“He assured that our salaries and arrears would be paid in April based on the template of the report and urged us to suspend the protest,” he stated.