Rivers Chief Magistrate resigns over federal takeover, cites ‘quasi-military rule’

In a bold move that underscores the deepening political crisis in Rivers State, Chief Magistrate Ejike King George has officially resigned from the judiciary, expressing disillusionment with what he describes as a “quasi-military administration” imposed by the federal government.

His resignation comes in the wake of the controversial state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025. The emergency directive led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

In their place, President Tinubu appointed retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the sole administrator of the state.

In their place, the federal government appointed retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the sole administrator of Rivers State—effectively placing the state under a military-style leadership for an initial six-month period.

In a letter dated April 11, 2025, and addressed to the Chief Judge of Rivers State through the Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, Magistrate George expressed strong reservations about the new governance structure. He described it as “alien” and “antithetical” to the principles of the legal profession.

“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 stated.

Magistrate George noted that 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 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.”