Rivers Judicial Commission to Ejike George: You didn’t resign, you were sacked

The Rivers state Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has said a former Chief Magistrate in the state, Ejike George, did not resign but compulsorily retired.

George, in a letter dated April 11, 2025, said he resigned following the appointment of a “quasi-military administration” to oversee the affairs of Rivers.

According to the letter, George claimed his decision was informed by the controversial suspension of Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers governor, and the appointment of a sole administrator by President Bola Tinubu on March 18.

However, in a statement issued by Blessings Vic-Jumbo, the acting secretary of the JSC, the commission said George’s narrative was false and misleading.

“To set the records straight, the person we know as Ejike K. George, Esq. (Chief Magistrate Grade II Rtd.) was by a letter dated 12th February, 2025 from the Judicial Service Commission, compulsorily retired from service with effect from 10th day of February, 2025 for disciplinary reasons,” the statement reads.

According to Vic-Jumbo, a Disciplinary Panel reviewed George’s conduct, found him culpable, and recommended that he be given the option of voluntary retirement within a specified period.

“When he failed to take this option, the Commission proceeded with compulsory retirement, effective February 10, 2025.”

The JSC emphasised that this action was entirely separate from the current political situation in Rivers State.

The Commission took exception to recent remarks by George, which allegedly implied that his departure was due to the emergence of a “quasi-military administration” in the state.

The Commission firmly labeled George’s assertions as “a contrived falsehood” and “a mischievous action calculated to deceive the public, attract undue sympathy, and undeserved patronage.

“The general public should be properly guided,” the disclaimer concluded, distancing the Judiciary from political interpretations surrounding the former magistrate’s departure.

“This development contributes to the increasing tension and sensitivity surrounding governance and judicial affairs in Rivers State, especially amidst recent political unrest.”

“The above event has no nexus whatsoever with current political happenings in the state.

“The attempt by Ejike K. George, Esq. to link his exit from service with the political situation is not only a contrived falsehood but a mischievous action calculated to deceive the public, attract undue sympathy and undeserved patronage.”