A Chief Magistrate in Rivers State, Ejike King George, has voluntarily resigned his position as a Magistrate in the Rivers State Judiciary.
Chief Magistrate George’s resignation was conveyed in a letter addressed to the Chief Judge of Rivers State, through the Secretary of the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission.
In the letter, George described his decision as “difficult and regrettable”, attributing it to his discomfort with the recent appointment of a “quasi-military administration” to oversee the affairs of Rivers State.
He noted that the current system of governance is not only unfamiliar but fundamentally contradicts the ideals and values of the legal profession.
According to him, such a structure runs counter to the principles upheld by legal practitioners and adjudicators.
George further stated that having dedicated 16 out of his 22 years of legal practice to serving as a magistrate under successive democratic administrations, he finds it challenging to operate within the current political context.
Doing so, he said, would amount to “tacit and naive acquiescence”.
He expressed appreciation to the Chief Judge for the opportunity to serve in the state’s judiciary.
“This letter is intended to convey my decision to voluntarily retire my appointment as Magistrate of the Judiciary of Rivers State.
“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.
“My Lord 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 put in a whooping 16 (sixteen) out of my 22 (twenty two) years of legal practice into this Judiciary as Magistrate under successive democratic administrations, I find it difficult to work with the current setting, as doing so would amount to a tacit and naïve acquiescence.
“Thanks My Lord, for the opportunity to serve,” the statement read.
Niger Govt targets use of CRS to fight social vices
Niger State Governor, Umar Mohammed Bago, said the reintroduction of the teaching of Christian Religious Studies (CRS) in public schools was a deliberate effort aimed at promoting moral education and instilling a sense of respect for God among the teaming youths.
Governor Bago disclosed this while declaring open this year’s annual conference of the Nupe Christian Fellowship International at the Cathedral Church of St. John in Bida, Niger State over the weekend.
He attributed the increase in thuggery and youth restiveness in the state to lack of proper moral upbringing, emphasizing that both parents and religious institutions play a crucial role in shaping the values of young people.
The Governor asserted that parental care and good moral education are essential in combating the rising tide of crime, thuggery, and unrest among the youth.
Governor Bago was represented by his Special Adviser on Public Private Partner (PPP) and former Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, pointed out that religious institutions in the country have an important responsibility in enhancing the moral training of youths.
According to him, this initiative underscores the importance of teaching religious studies, which help mold and guide the lives of young individuals. He noted, “The absence of proper moral upbringing is significantly responsible for the increasing rates of various social vices among our youths.”
In addition to fostering moral education in schools, Bago expressed his administration’s commitment to controlling the rising incidents of thuggery and unrest in the state. He stated, “No responsible government will fold its arms and allow miscreants to take over the state and instill fear in innocent citizens.”
The Governor assured the Christian community of equitable treatment, affirming that “Niger State is a secular state and, therefore, there will be fair and equal treatment of adherents of the two major religions.” He reiterated, “We have reintroduced the teaching of the two main religions in our public schools as a step towards promoting equity, justice, and fairness for all. There will be no discrimination.”
Additionally, Governor Bago announced a donation of N10 million to the Nupe Christian Fellowship International.
Earlier, the President of the Nupe Christian Fellowship International, Jacob G. Tsado, commended the Governor for the infrastructural transformation of the state over the past two years, noting his exemplary leadership.
He described the annual conference as an event that fosters spiritual and socio-economic revival among members and unites Nupe Christians.