The Rivers State Judiciary has disputed the reasons given by retired Chief Magistrate Ejike King George for his exit, saying he was actually compulsorily retired for disciplinary reasons, not due to discomfort with the state’s current governance structure.
According to David Ihua Maduenyi, Chief Registrar of the Rivers State High Court, George was retired effective February 10, 2025, following prolonged absence from duty without official leave from August 25, 2023, to December 2024.
Maduenyi explained that George’s absence led to a disciplinary panel being convened by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which found him culpable and recommended either voluntary retirement or compulsory retirement.
The JSC subsequently approved his compulsory retirement. This contradicts George’s claim that his resignation was due to the appointment of a “quasi-military administration” led by retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, which he believed contradicts the ideals and values of the legal profession.
The Chief Registrar described George’s claim as a “contrived falsehood” aimed at deceiving the public and gaining sympathy.
The current governance structure in Rivers State was put in place after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency due to prolonged political crisis, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly.
Given the circumstances, the judiciary’s clarification sheds light on the real reasons behind George’s departure, dispelling any misconceptions that may have arisen from his initial statement.
The judiciary’s decision to retire George underscores the importance of accountability and adherence to professional standards within the judicial system.
