The opposition to the emergency rule in Rivers State grew stronger on Thursday as Chief Magistrate Ejike George stepped down from his position in the judiciary, denouncing the appointment of a Sole Administrator to manage political matters. Magistrate George, who has served in the Rivers State Judiciary for 16 years, described the situation as a harmful deviation from democratic principles, likening it to a “quasi-military administration.” In a resignation letter dated April 11, 2025, directed to the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State through the Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, George announced his intention to retire voluntarily, voicing serious concerns over what he labeled as an “alien” and “antithetical” style of governance. “This letter serves to inform you of my decision to voluntarily resign from my position as a Magistrate of the Judiciary of Rivers State,” the correspondence noted in part. “This difficult and regrettable choice arises mainly from my unease with the recent establishment of a quasi-military administration to govern a modern state like ours.” He went on to say, “Milord will concur that this form of governance is not only foreign but also contradicts our respected profession as legal practitioners and adjudicators.” Having dedicated 16 of his 22 years in the legal field as a Magistrate in Rivers State under various democratic administrations, George declared that he could not continue in good faith under the current government. “To remain would constitute a tacit and foolish consent,” he added. “Thank you, Milord, for the chance to serve,” he concluded. His resignation contributes to the growing dissatisfaction within the legal and civil society sectors in Rivers State. This comes in close succession to the Nigerian Bar Association's decision to move its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, citing a clear disregard for the rule of law and the appointment of a Sole Administrator in a democratic context.
