Rebellion In The Courts: Ex-Magistrate Rejects Command-Style Rule, Quits Rivers Bench In Protest

A former Chief Magistrate in Rivers State, Ejike George, has publicly explained the reasons behind his resignation from the state judiciary.

This follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025, which included the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.) as the Sole Administrator of the state. The president also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution due to escalating political tensions in the state.

During an interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Thursday, April 17, George criticized Tinubu’s move, insisting there was no justification for the drastic measure or the imposition of a military-style administration.

Speaking about his resignation, George stated that he was not prepared—nor trained—to operate under a military administrator, a shift he described as difficult to accept.

“It is unfair to the people of Rivers State. I’m simply saying I cannot take instructions from a military administrator—period.”

He emphasized that his resignation stemmed from his unwillingness to conform to the judicial structure that would result from such governance.

“As magistrates, our courts are of summary jurisdiction, and our proceedings are not directly guided by the Constitution. We typically receive directives from the Chief Judge, who in turn aligns with the elected governor, the chief security officer of the state,” George explained.

“For 16 years, I served under civilian leadership. I have no training or experience with military administration, and I don’t know how my colleagues will cope either.”

Concluding, George said he would rather walk away than compromise his principles, stating:

“I’m not the type to stay silent in the face of something I don’t believe in. So I chose to bow out and find something else to do with my life.”