‘You were compulsorily retired’ — Rivers judicial commission counters magistrate who ‘resigned over emergency rule’

The Rivers state Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has countered claims made by Ejike George, a retired chief magistrate.

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.

His comment referenced 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 the JSC, George was absent from duty without official leave for over a year — from August 25, 2023, to December 2024.

Following findings by a judiciary panel, George was given the option to retire voluntarily within a specific timeframe, Vic-Jumbo said. 

“Having failed to retire voluntarily within the said time frame, he was consequently retired compulsorily with effect from the 10th day of February 2025, and this was duly communicated to him,” the statement added.

“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.”