Rivers Chief Magistrate resigns in protest of “Quasi-Military” Governance

Ejike King George, a Chief Magistrate in the Rivers State judiciary, has tendered his resignation, citing discomfort with the state’s current political administration, which he described as incompatible with the values of the legal profession.

In a letter dated April 11, 2025, addressed to the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State through the Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, Magistrate George expressed deep concern over what he called the imposition of a “quasi-military administration” in 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,” he wrote.

The magistrate condemned the governance style as “alien” and “antithetical” to democratic principles upheld by the judiciary. He noted that of his 22 years in legal practice, 16 had been spent serving the Rivers State Judiciary under various democratic administrations.

Remaining in his position under the new arrangement, he said, would amount to “tacit and naïve acquiescence.”

His resignation comes amid ongoing political unrest in Rivers State, following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the State House of Assembly. The move triggered widespread tension and increased security presence across government facilities.

In reaction to the escalating crisis, the federal government declared a state of emergency, granting retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas authority to coordinate the state’s affairs in a military-style fashion.

Magistrate George ended his letter with appreciation, saying, “Thanks, Milord, for the opportunity to serve.”