A twist has emerged in the story of Chief Magistrate Ejike King George, who claimed he voluntarily retired from the Rivers State Judiciary to protest the state of emergency in Rivers State.

His letter announcing voluntary retirement spread widely on Monday, April 14.

However, the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission (JSC), his employer, has disputed this claim, stating that George was compulsorily retired. Acting Secretary Blessing Vic-Jumbo issued a statement early Tuesday, dated 14 April 2025, clarifying the matter.

The JSC explained that George retired on 10 February 2025 due to disciplinary issues. Specifically, he was absent from duty without leave from August 25, 2023, to December 2024. The commission had advised him to retire voluntarily, but he did not comply.

The JSC stated: ?My attention has been drawn to news making the rounds in the media credited to one Ejike King George Esq, retired Chief Magistrate, dated April 11, 2025, to the effect that he voluntarily retired due to ?? the recent appointment of a quasi-military administration to run the affairs?? of Rivers State.

?To set the records straight, the person we know as Ejike K. George Esq. (Chief Magistrate Grade II Retd) was, by a letter dated February 12, 2025, from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), compulsorily retired from service with effect from February 10, 2025, for disciplinary reasons bordering specifically on a complaint of continuous absence from duty without leave from August 25, 2023, till December 2024.

?Sequel to the above, Ejike K. George Esq appeared before a disciplinary panel, which found him wanting and made recommendations to the Commission. The Commission offered Ejike K. George Esq. the opportunity to retire voluntarily within a specific time frame or be compulsorily retired. Ejike K. George Esq, having failed to retire voluntarily within the said time frame, was consequently retired compulsorily with effect from February 10, 2025, and this was duly communicated to him.?

The JSC emphasised that this action was unrelated to the state?s political situation. It described George?s attempt to link his retirement to politics as a ?contrived falsehood? meant to mislead the public and gain sympathy.

The public was urged to disregard his claims. (Daily Sun)

Update news