Chief Magistrate Ejike King George has formally resigned from the Rivers State Judiciary, citing concerns over the recent shift in the state’s political leadership.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Judge of Rivers State and submitted through the Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, Magistrate George described his decision as both “difficult and regrettable.” He expressed unease with what he called the installation of a “quasi-military administration” to govern the state—an arrangement he believes contradicts the core values of the legal profession.
“This type of governance system is not only unfamiliar, but fundamentally opposed to the ideals we uphold as legal practitioners and adjudicators,” he wrote.
George, who has served 16 of his 22 years in legal practice as a magistrate under successive democratic administrations, stated that remaining in office under the current structure would amount to “tacit and naïve acquiescence.”
He concluded his letter by thanking the Chief Judge for the opportunity to serve within the judiciary.
