Rivers State Chief Magistrate Ejike King George has tendered his resignation from the judiciary, citing deep unease with what he calls a “quasi‑military administration” now overseeing the state’s affairs.
In a letter dated April 11, 2025 and addressed to the Honourable Chief Judge via the Secretary of the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission, Magistrate George made clear that he found the current governance structure “alien” and “antithetical” to the principles he has upheld throughout his career.
“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,” he wrote.
Having devoted 16 of his 22 years in legal practice to the Rivers State Judiciary under successive democratic administrations, George warned that remaining in office would amount to “tacit and naïve acquiescence.”
In closing, he thanked the court for the opportunity to serve: “Thanks, Milord, for the opportunity to serve.”
George’s resignation comes amid heightened tensions following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a six‑month state of emergency in Rivers State last month.
Tinubu invoked his constitutional powers in response to what he described as escalating political strife and security breakdown.
The emergency measure saw the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Oduh, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly, and the appointment of Ibok‑Ete Ibas as sole administrator.
Below is a copy of the letter obtained by DAILY GAZETTE
