Chief Magistrate tenders resignation in Rivers, cites imposition of “Quasi-Military” Administration

A Chief Magistrate in the Rivers State Judiciary, Ejike King George, has tendered his resignation, citing dissatisfaction with the ongoing political structure imposed on the state by the Federal Government.

In a resignation letter dated April 11, 2025, and addressed to the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State through the Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, Magistrate George described his decision as “difficult and regrettable,” but said it was necessary given the recent appointment of what he called a “quasi-military administration” to govern the state.

“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,” the letter read.

Magistrate George, who dedicated 16 of his 22 years in legal practice to the Rivers State Judiciary, stated that the current governance model is “alien and antithetical to the values of the legal profession.” He stressed that remaining in service under the new structure would amount to “tacit and naïve acquiescence.”

He concluded the letter with appreciation, writing, “Thanks, Milord, for the opportunity to serve.”

The resignation comes amid rising tensions in Rivers State following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a six-month state of emergency last month. The president suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers, citing heightened political instability and security breaches.

In their place, Tinubu appointed retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole adminisgroups, a move that continues to draw criticism from legal professionals and civic groups.