“I Cannot Take Instructions from a Military Administrator” — Ex-Rivers Magistrate Justifies Resignation

A former Chief Magistrate in Rivers State, Ejike George, has explained the reasons behind his recent resignation, stating that he could not operate under the directives of a military administrator. George, who spoke during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, said his decision was rooted in principle and professional ethics, not politics.

“I am simply saying that I cannot take instructions from a military administrator. I cannot,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly. Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the president appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas as Sole Administrator, saying the move was necessary to prevent further escalation of the state’s political crisis.

George, however, disputed the president’s justification, insisting there was no crisis significant enough to warrant military-style governance. “It is not fair to the people of Rivers State,” he said.

He emphasized that his decision to resign stemmed from his inability to adapt to what he described as a military method of adjudication. “Our courts are courts of summary jurisdiction. Our proceedings are not guided by the constitution. That being the case, it means 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—an elected civilian governor. 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, who served 16 years in the judiciary, said there had been no prior training for working under a military administrator and questioned how his colleagues would manage the shift. “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.”

He also dismissed claims by the Rivers State Judicial Commission that he was due for voluntary retirement and had not actually resigned. “I never faced any panel for any misconduct,” he said, challenging the commission to make public any report suggesting otherwise.