Ejike George, a former Rivers State chief magistrate, reaffirmed his resignation, opposing the appointment of retired vice admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator. George criticized the shift to a quasi-military judiciary, citing an inability to work under military-style governance. The JSC disputes his claims, citing unauthorized absence.
Ejike George, a former chief magistrate in Rivers State, has reiterated that his resignation was a personal decision rooted in concerns about a shift toward military-style governance in the state’s judiciary.
In a recent interview, George emphasized that his departure was prompted by the appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s sole administrator—an arrangement he described as incompatible with civilian judicial processes. According to him, the role of magistrates under civilian governance differs significantly from what might be expected under a military structure, and he felt unprepared to operate in such an environment.
George maintained that he served the judiciary for 16 years, always under civilian authorities, and was unwilling to adapt to directives from a former military officer now acting in an administrative capacity.
However, the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) offered a contrasting version of events. The commission claimed George had been absent without authorization from August 2023 and was offered voluntary retirement within a deadline. The JSC described his departure as compulsory retirement, not voluntary resignation.
In response, George denied any misconduct and challenged the commission to produce evidence of any disciplinary proceedings against him.
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of a state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, who suspended key state officials and appointed Ibas amid a deepening political crisis.
George’s stance underscores ongoing tensions around civilian versus military influence in civil institutions during times of political instability.
