Rivers Magistrate Resigns In Protest Over Sole Administrator Appointment, Criticizes Quasi-Military Governance

Rivers Magistrate Resigns In Protest Over Sole Administrator Appointment, Criticizes Quasi-Military Governance

Chief Magistrate Ejike George of the Rivers State Judiciary has formally resigned from his position, expressing strong dissatisfaction with the recent political developments in the state—particularly the appointment of a Sole Administrator to manage state affairs.

In a letter dated April 11, 2025, addressed to the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State via the Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, George announced his voluntary retirement, citing that the current governance structure bears resemblance to a “quasi-military administration,” which he deemed incompatible with democratic and judicial principles…READ MORE…

The resignation letter, titled “Voluntary Retirement from Service,” outlined his concerns about the trajectory of governance in Rivers State. George, who has served as a magistrate for 16 years and spent 22 years in legal practice overall, noted that the new administrative arrangement contradicts the core values of the legal profession.

He wrote, “This letter serves to formally notify you of my decision to voluntarily retire from my position as a Magistrate within the Rivers State Judiciary.”

He continued, “This difficult and deeply regrettable decision stems from my discomfort with the recent appointment of a quasi-military structure to oversee the affairs of a modern democratic state. Your Lordship will concur that such a system is not only unfamiliar but also fundamentally opposed to the ethical and professional standards we uphold as legal practitioners and judicial officers.”

George emphasized that after dedicating the majority of his professional life to serving under democratic frameworks, he finds it untenable to continue under the current arrangement, which he believes would imply silent approval of a system he does not support.

He concluded his letter by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve under previous administrations.