The crisis over the emergency rule in Rivers State escalated on Thursday as Chief Magistrate Ejike George resigned from the state judiciary, denouncing the appointment of a Sole Administrator to manage political affairs. Magistrate George, who had served in the judiciary for 16 years, condemned the move as a dangerous departure from democratic principles, comparing it to a “quasi-military administration.” In a resignation letter dated April 11, 2025, addressed to the Honourable Chief Judge through the Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, George announced his voluntary exit, citing the imposition of an “alien” and “antithetical” style of governance. He further noted, “Milord will agree with me that this type of governance system is not only alien but also runs antithetical to our hallowed profession as legal practitioners and adjudicators.” Having spent 16 of his 22 years in legal practice as a Magistrate in Rivers State under various democratic governments, George said he could not continue in good conscience under the current administration. “To do so would amount to a tacit and naive acquiescence,” he added. “Thanks Milord, for the opportunity to serve,” he concluded. His resignation further fuels the rising discontent among legal and civil society groups in Rivers State. It comes shortly after the Nigerian Bar Association announced the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, citing a breach of democratic norms and the unlawful imposition of a Sole Administrator.