… As Chief Magistrate resigns over ‘Quasi-Military’ leadership in State

The Rivers State Government has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to refund the N300 million paid for the hosting rights of its 2025 Annual General Conference, following the association’s decision to relocate the event from Port Harcourt to Enugu.

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, made the demand in a statement released through his media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo. 

Ibas criticised the NBA’s justification for moving the conference, describing the association’s claims as both “misleading and uncharitable.”

While acknowledging the NBA’s right to choose its conference venue, Ibas questioned the association’s silence on the matter of the state’s financial commitment. “If the NBA truly stands on principle, it should demonstrate integrity by returning the N300 million already paid by Rivers State, rather than benefitting from a state it now openly disparages,” the statement read.

Reacting to the NBA’s April 10 announcement, which implied that the decision was influenced by concerns over democratic governance and rule of law in Rivers, Ibas dismissed these assertions as politically charged and lacking legal grounding.

He defended the current administration, stressing that the declaration of a state of emergency and his appointment as Sole Administrator were constitutionally backed measures taken by President Bola Tinubu to restore stability amid a breakdown in public order.

“The suggestion that the present intervention violates the rule of law ignores both the constitutional framework and judicial precedents, including the Supreme Court’s decision in Suit No. SC/CV/1176/2024,” the statement continued, referring to a ruling which nullified local government elections that failed to comply with the Electoral Act.

Ibas maintained that the state government has remained committed to upholding constitutional order and expressed disappointment that the NBA, a body of legal professionals, would reduce complex constitutional issues to simplistic political commentary.

Calling for constructive dialogue, he urged the NBA to play a more unifying role during this transitional period in Rivers State’s governance. “We expect the NBA to support peace and progress, not amplify divisions. 

The Sole Administrator remains focused on guiding the state back to full democratic governance in accordance with the Constitution,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile , a Chief Magistrate in the Rivers judiciary, Ejike King George, has voluntarily resigned from service, citing unease with the recent appointment of what he described as a “quasi-military administration” to oversee the state’s affairs.

In a letter dated April 11, 2025, and addressed to the Chief Judge of Rivers State through the Secretary of the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission, Magistrate George expressed discontent over the direction of the state’s governance, stating it is “alien” and “antithetical” to the values of the legal profession.

“This difficult and regrettable decision is informed largely by my discomfort with the recent appointment of a quasi-military administration to run the affairs of a modern State like ours,” the letter reads.

Highlighting his years of service, George noted that he dedicated 16 out of his 22 years in legal practice to the Rivers State Judiciary as a Magistrate under various democratic administrations.

He expressed concerns that continuing under the present structure would amount to “tacit and naïve acquiescence.”

George ended his letter with gratitude: “Thanks, Milord, for the opportunity to serve.”

The letter underscored ongoing tensions in the Rivers State judicial and political landscape following recent developments in governance.

In a move that has continued to stir debates, President Bola Tinubu last month imposed a six-month state of emergency in Rivers following the political crisis in the state. 

Tinubu cited escalating political tensions in the state and the breach of security for the decision. 

He suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Oduh, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. 

Tinubu instead appointed a sole administrator for the state Ibok-Ete Ibas