In a move that has sent ripples through the Rivers State Judiciary, Chief Magistrate Ejike King George has voluntarily resigned from his position, citing discomfort with the appointment of what he described as a “quasi-military administration” in the state.
In a formal letter dated April 11, 2025, and addressed to the Honorable Chief Judge of Rivers State through the Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, George stated that the recent political developments in the state had made it untenable for him to continue serving in the judiciary.
“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 reads.
The development follows growing national attention on the controversial appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.) as Sole Administrator of Rivers State amid a political crisis that has seen the suspension of the state’s elected governor, deputy, and several lawmakers.
Magistrate George, who has spent 16 of his 22 years in legal practice within the Rivers State Judiciary, emphasized that continuing under the current governance structure would amount to “tacit and naïve acquiescence.”
“Milord will agree with me that this type of governance system is not only alien but also runs antithetical to our hallowed profession as legal practitioners and adjudicators,” he wrote.
The resignation is being viewed in legal and political circles as a significant act of protest against the unfolding political impasse in the state.
The letter spotted by The Story, reads: “This present is intended to convey my decision to voluntarily retire my appointment as Magistrate of the Judiciary of Rivers 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.
“Milord will agree with me that this type of governance system is not only alien but also runs antithetical to our hallowed profession as legal practitioners and adjudicators.
Having put in a whooping 16 (sixteen) out of my 22 (twenty two) years of legal practice into this Judiciary as Magistrate under successive democratic administrations, I find it difficult to work with the current setting, as doing so would amount to a tacit and naïve acquiescence”.
It also raises questions about judicial independence and the role of the judiciary in upholding democratic values amid executive interventions.
Analysts say the bold move could trigger further discourse within the judiciary and civil society regarding the legitimacy of the Sole Administrator framework and its implications for democracy in Rivers State.
So far, the Rivers State Government has not issued a formal response to the resignation.
