Rivers State Judiciary Denounces Claims of Politically-Motivated Retirement of Magistrate

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of Rivers State has issued an official disclaimer debunking claims circulating on social media regarding the retirement of former Chief Magistrate, Ejike K. George, Esq.

In a statement dated April 14, 2025, and signed by Ag. Secretary Blessings Vic-Jumbo, the Commission addressed what it termed a “contrived falsehood” suggesting that Mr. George’s exit from the judiciary was politically motivated due to the “recent appointment of a quasi-military administration” in Rivers State.

Setting the record straight, the Commission clarified that Mr. George was compulsorily retired on February 10, 2025, following disciplinary proceedings. The disciplinary action stemmed from a prolonged unauthorized absence from duty—spanning from August 25, 2023, to December 2024—without approved leave.

According to the release, Mr. George was offered an opportunity to retire voluntarily within a specific timeframe but failed to comply. As a result, the Commission moved forward with compulsory retirement, which was formally communicated to him.

The JSC emphasized that the retirement has no connection to the current political landscape in the state. It described the social media narrative as “a mischievous action calculated to deceive the public, attract undue sympathy, and undeserved patronage.”

“The general public should be properly guided,” the statement concluded