Former Rivers State Chief Magistrate, Ejike George, has provided reasons for his resignation from the judiciary, citing discomfort with the appointment of a retired military officer as the sole administrator of the state.
In an interview that has since gained traction online, George expressed disapproval over what he described as a military-style approach to governance, stating that the crisis in Rivers did not merit such a drastic shift from democratic norms. He argued that the introduction of military oversight erodes both civilian governance and the independence of the judiciary.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. This move was followed by the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) was then appointed as the sole administrator of the state.
“I can’t serve a military boss”: Why Magistrate George Stepped Down
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, George firmly stated:
“I am simply saying that I cannot take instructions from a military administrator. I cannot.”
He explained that throughout his sixteen-year career in the judiciary, he had only worked under civilian administrations, and adjusting to a military command structure was not feasible for him.
In his words:
“My reason for resignation is simply because I cannot adapt to the military style of adjudication that would be introduced by the reason of the sole administrator.”
“I am simply saying that I cannot take instructions from a military administrator. I cannot. 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. I find it very strange.”
George further emphasized the lack of training or orientation for judicial officers on how to function under military leadership:
“The judiciary did not take us to any previous training on how to work with military administrators. Until that is done, I don’t know how even my colleagues would cope. So, for me, unfortunately, I am not the type that would keep my mouth shut. So, I decided to throw in the towel and go home and look for something else to do.”
George’s resignation underscores the rising tension and legal controversy surrounding the federal intervention in Rivers State’s political structure.
Watch his full interview here: Ejike George’s full interview
