The emergency rule in Rivers State took a new turn on last week as Chief Magistrate Ejike George resigned from the state judiciary, blaming the appointment of a Sole Administrator to oversee political affairs.

Magistrate George, who has dedicated 16 years to the Rivers State Judiciary, described the development as a dangerous departure from democratic norms, equating it to a “quasi-military administration.”

In a resignation letter dated April 11, 2025, and addressed to the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State via the Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, George announced his voluntary retirement from service, expressing grave concerns over what he described as an “alien” and “antithetical” governance style.

“This is intended to convey my decision to voluntarily retire my appointment as Magistrate of the Judiciary of Rivers State,” the letter stated in part. 

“This difficult and regrettable decision is largely informed by my discomfort with the recent appointment of a quasi-military administration to run the affairs of a modern state like ours.”

He further stated, “Milord will agree with me that this type of governance system is not only alien but also runs counter to our esteemed profession as legal practitioners and adjudicators.”

Having spent 16 of his 22 years in legal practice as a Magistrate in Rivers State under various democratic governments, George stated that he could not continue in good conscience under the current administration. “To do so would amount to a tacit and naive acquiescence,” he added.

“Thank you, Milord, for the opportunity to serve,” he stated.

His resignation adds to the mounting discontent within the legal and civil society communities in Rivers State. 

It also follows closely on the heels of the Nigerian Bar Association’s decision to relocate its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, citing a blatant disregard for the rule of law and the imposition of a Sole Administrator in a democratic setting.