A Chief Magistrate in the Rivers judiciary, Ejike King George, has resigned from service, citing unease with the recent appointment of what he described as a “quasi-military administration” to manage the state’s affairs.
In a letter dated April 11, 2025, and addressed to the Chief Judge of Rivers State through the Secretary of the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission, George expressed displeasure over the direction of the state’s governance, noting that it was “alien” and “antithetical” to the values of the legal profession.
The letter reads: “This difficult and regrettable decision is informed largely by my discomfort with the recent appointment of a quasi-military administration to run the affairs of a modern state like ours”.
According to Magistrate George, he had served 16 of his 22 years in legal practice within the Rivers State Judiciary, working under successive democratic governments.
He said continuing in office under the current political arrangement would amount to “tacit and naïve acquiescence.”
He concluded his letter with appreciation to the judiciary for the opportunity to serve, saying, “Thanks, Milord, for the opportunity to serve.
News Band reported that President Bola Tinubu had on March 18, 2025 declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, as well as the State House of Assembly.
Tinubu subsequently appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), as the sole administrator of the State.