PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – Chief Magistrate Ejike King George of Rivers State has voluntarily resigned from his position, citing his discomfort with the recent appointment of a “quasi-military administration” to oversee the affairs of the state.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Judge of Rivers State, through the Secretary of the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission, George described his decision as “difficult and regrettable” but necessary due to the current political environment.
In his resignation letter, George explained that the current system of governance in Rivers State is not only unfamiliar but also fundamentally contradicts the core values and principles upheld by the legal profession.
He emphasized that such a structure runs counter to the ideals of fairness, justice, and rule of law that are integral to the judiciary.
George, who has dedicated 16 of his 22 years in legal practice to serving as a magistrate under various democratic administrations, stated that working within the current governance system would be an implicit endorsement of a political context he could not support.
“I find it difficult to work with the current setting, as doing so would amount to a tacit and naïve acquiescence,” he said.
The Chief Magistrate expressed his gratitude to the Chief Judge for the opportunity to serve in Rivers State’s judiciary and reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of justice.
