A former Chief Magistrate in Rivers State, Ejike George, has explained that his recent resignation from the state’s judiciary was because he is not prepared to take directives from a military administrator.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, he stated, “I am simply saying that I cannot take instructions from a military administrator. I cannot.”
President Tinubu had appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.) as the Sole Administrator for Rivers State on March 18, 2025, following the declaration of a state of emergency, which also led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly members.
Read Also: Judicial Service Commission Makes Fresh Revelation On Rivers Chief Magistrate’s Retirement
Tinubu justified this action under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, citing the need to intervene in the escalating political situation in the state.
Ibas served as the Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 and hails from Cross River State, where he also received his early education.
George criticized the President’s decision, asserting that there was no crisis in Rivers State that warranted the suspension of elected officials and the imposition of what he described as a military-style administration. “It is not fair to the people of Rivers State,” he insisted.
Read Also: NBA Criticises Ibas With Strong Allegations
He said, “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.
“As a magistrate, our courts are courts of summary jurisdiction. Our proceedings are not guided by the constitution of this country. That being the case, it means that I would take directives from my employer who is the Chief Judge of Rivers State.
“We, in turn, take some level of directive from the governor; that would have been the elected governor who had acted as the chief security officer of the state.
“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.
“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.”
The former magistrate also faulted the Rivers State Judicial Commission which claimed that on the contrary, he was due for voluntary retirement and did not resign. “I never faced any panel for any misconduct,” he insisted and challenged the commission to publish the report of any misconduct against him.
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
