The Rivers State Judiciary has publicly refuted the claims made by retired Chief Magistrate Ejike King-George regarding the reasons for his retirement.
In his announcement, Chief Magistrate King-George asserted that his voluntary retirement was prompted by the appointment of a quasi-military administration to oversee the governance of Rivers State. However, this explanation has been met with strong opposition from judicial authorities.
Responding to King-George’s statements, Chief Registrar of the Rivers State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, characterized the former magistrate’s comments as misleading. He clarified that King-George was actually compulsorily retired from his position effective February 10, 2025, due to disciplinary issues related to his extended absence from work.
Ihua-Maduenyi labeled King-George’s attempt to link his retirement to the current political crisis as “mischievous,” underscoring that the judiciary’s actions were taken in accordance with established regulations and not influenced by political dynamics.
This public dispute has sparked discussions within legal circles about the implications of discipline and accountability within the judiciary, as well as the intersection of legal and political issues in Rivers State. The Rivers State Judiciary continues to emphasize its commitment to upholding the integrity and professionalism of its services, irrespective of external circumstances.
