Magistrate Richard Bassey of on Tuesday in Calabar collapsed at the gate of the governor’s office on the second day of their protest of 24 months unpaid salaries.
The Magistrates who were 30 in number and in their full regalia had commenced a peaceful protest on Monday Jan. 4 to appeal to Gov. Ben Ayade to pay the 24 months salary arrears owed them.
While the protest was on, Bassey, one of the Magistrates, collapsed to the consternation of his colleagues who ran around frantically pouring water on him until he was revived and rushed to a nearby hospital.
Speaking to journalists, the Chief Magistrate of Cross River, Solomon Abuo decried the ill treatment meted out on them by the state government and questioned the commitment of the state to their welfare.
Abuo said since they were employed, they have undergone several screenings adding that the protest was their last resort and they would continue to protest until they are paid.
“This is very embarrassing, last year one of the Magistrates was arraigned before a fellow Magistrate for inability to pay his rent; most of us can’t pay our house rents and are squatting with colleagues.
“Is it wrong for one to serve the state, as a Judicial officer? are we supposed to go through this kind of humiliation,” he asked.
No official of the state addressed the protesters during and after the day two of the protest.
Justice Eyo Effiom-Ita, the Acting Chief Judge of the State had earlier confirmed that he was aware that the Magistrates have not been paid for a long time.
Effiom-Ita also added that different presentations have been made to the governor who has refused to pay the Magistrates because he did not approve their appointment two years ago.
“The governor said he did not give clearance for their appointment, so, he will not pay them; until the governor changes his disposition, there is nothing anyone can do, he said.
