Former Rivers State Chief Magistrate, Ejike George, has explained why he stepped down from the judiciary, citing discomfort with the new political structure imposed by the federal government.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, George stated, “I am simply saying that I cannot take instructions from a military administrator. I cannot.”
His resignation follows the appointment of retired naval officer Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas as Sole Administrator of Rivers State after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency on March 18, 2025. The move led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the state’s House of Assembly.
While Tinubu defended the decision under Section 305 of the Constitution, George strongly disagreed, arguing there was no real crisis in the state to warrant such drastic action. “It is not fair to the people of Rivers State,” he said.
Explaining further, George said the judiciary operates within a civilian framework, and magistrates take guidance from elected officials, not appointees of a military background. “In the entire 16 years that I served with the Rivers State Judiciary, I have taken instructions from civilian administrators. I do not know how I am going to adapt and now begin to take instructions from a military administrator,” he added.
He criticized the judiciary’s lack of preparation for the new structure, saying no training was provided to work under a military-style system. “So, for me… I decided to throw in the towel and go home and look for something else to do.”
George also refuted claims by the Rivers State Judicial Commission that he was due for retirement, insisting there were no misconduct proceedings against him. “I never faced any panel for any misconduct,” he said, daring the commission to produce any such record.
