Rivers State Chief Magistrate Resigns Over Quasi-Military Rule
A Chief Magistrate in the Rivers State Judiciary, Ejike King George, has tendered his resignation from service, citing unease over the appointment of a Sole Administrator to oversee the affairs of the state.
In a document made available to Truth Live News, George announced his voluntary retirement from the state judiciary after 16 years of service, expressing discomfort with the quasi-military administration currently governing Rivers State under a federally appointed Sole Administrator.
The resignation follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly.
Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the Sole Administrator for six months to oversee the state’s affairs, sparking widespread criticism from various interest groups.
George stated that continuing in his role under the current political arrangement would imply tacit approval of the emergency governance structure, which he believes runs antithetical to the principles of the legal profession.
The development comes amid a deepening political crisis in Rivers State, with the federal government now having more control over the affairs of the state.