​The Rivers State Judiciary has officially stated that the compulsory retirement of Chief Magistrate Ejike King George was due to misconduct, not political developments in the state. Chief Registrar David Ihua Maduenyi clarified that George was retired effective February 10, 2025, following findings of prolonged unauthorized absence from duty between August 2023 and December 2024. A disciplinary panel recommended either voluntary or compulsory retirement, and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) approved the latter. ​

This announcement counters George's claim of voluntary resignation in protest against the state's current administration. In his resignation letter dated April 11, 2025, George expressed discomfort with the appointment of a "quasi-military administration" in Rivers State, describing it as "alien" and "antithetical" to democratic principles. He stated that continuing in his role would imply "tacit and naïve acquiescence."

The judiciary emphasized that George's attempt to link his retirement to the political situation is misleading and aimed at garnering undue sympathy.

This development occurs amid a state of emergency in Rivers State, declared by President Bola Tinubu, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has been appointed as the sole administrator during this period.