Magistrate was retired for misconduct, not politics – Rivers Govt
The Rivers State Judicial Service Commission (RSJSC) has issued a formal disclaimer, distancing itself from a viral social media claim made by retired Chief Magistrate Ejike K. George, Esq., regarding the circumstances surrounding his exit from service.
In a statement released on Monday, the Acting Secretary of the Commission, Blessings Vic-Jumbo, Esq., clarified that Mr. George was not voluntarily retired as he had claimed, but was instead compulsorily retired for disciplinary reasons. According to the Commission, the retirement took effect from February 10, 2025.
The clarification follows a social media post attributed to Mr. George, dated April 11, 2025, in which he alleged that his retirement was a response to the “recent appointment of a quasi-military administration to run the affairs” of Rivers State.
The RSJSC, however, firmly denied any connection between George’s retirement and the political developments in the state.
“To set the records straight, the person known as Ejike K. George, Esq. (Chief Magistrate Grade II Rtd.) was compulsorily retired by a letter dated 12th February, 2025, due to disciplinary infractions—particularly his continuous absence from duty without leave from August 25, 2023, to December 2024,” the statement read.
The Commission explained that Mr. George had appeared before a disciplinary panel, which found him liable and recommended appropriate action. He was then given the opportunity to voluntarily retire within a specified period but failed to do so, leading to his compulsory retirement.
“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,” the Commission stated.
The Judicial Service Commission advised the general public to disregard the misinformation and be properly guided.
