The Rivers State Judiciary has refuted the claims made by retired Chief Magistrate Ejike King George regarding the reasons for his departure from service. Contrary to George’s assertion of resigning due to opposition to the state’s current political leadership and its “quasi-military administration,” the judiciary stated that he was compulsorily retired for gross misconduct.
Chief Registrar of the Rivers State High Court, David Ihua Maduenyi, clarified that George’s compulsory retirement, effective February 10, 2025, was a result of prolonged unauthorized absence from duty, spanning from August 2023 to December 2024. Maduenyi explained that George faced a disciplinary panel of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which found him culpable and recommended either voluntary or compulsory retirement. The JSC subsequently approved compulsory retirement.
Maduenyi dismissed George’s attempt to link his removal to the prevailing political instability in Rivers State, describing his narrative as a “contrived falsehood” and a “mischievous act” to mislead the public and gain undue sympathy. This rebuttal comes amidst significant political turmoil in the state, including the suspension of the Governor and the imposition of a state of emergency by the Nigerian government.
