Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has called for the immediate reopening of the Court of Appeal in Anambra State, describing its continued closure as unjustifiable given the state’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s judicial caseload.
Soludo made the appeal during a church service marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year of the Anambra State Judiciary.
The governor argued that Anambra, which he said ranks second only to Lagos State in the volume of cases generated, deserves to have a functional Court of Appeal to ensure easier access to appellate justice.
According to him, the continued closure of the court undermines the interests of justice, considering the state’s judicial importance and the number of cases handled within its jurisdiction.
“Anambra, after Lagos, generates more cases. We are more deserving to have the Court of Appeal,” Soludo declared.
He further urged the relevant authorities to reconsider the decision to keep the appellate court closed, insisting that merit, public need and access to justice should guide the location and operation of judicial institutions.
Beyond the issue of the Court of Appeal, the governor called on members of the Nigerian legal profession to embrace locally manufactured legal attire, particularly wigs and gowns, instead of relying on imported products.
He argued that continued importation of legal regalia amounts to exporting employment opportunities and economic benefits to other countries while undermining local industries.
“Can we change the law regalia into what is made in Nigeria? We are creating jobs abroad by importing all the regalia you wear,” he said.
Soludo encouraged lawyers and other Nigerians to patronise locally produced goods, stressing that increased demand for indigenous products would promote industrial growth, create jobs and strengthen the nation’s economy.
He cited his consistent use of Akwete fabric as an example of his commitment to promoting Nigerian-made products and preserving the country’s cultural heritage.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary through improved infrastructure and the welfare of judicial officers.
He commended the State Attorney-General for his dedication to the administration of justice and highlighted the state’s Plea Bargain initiative, which he said had contributed to reducing congestion in correctional facilities by facilitating the speedy resolution of appropriate cases.
Soludo further stressed the importance of cooperation among the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, noting that although the three arms of government have separate constitutional responsibilities, they share a common obligation to protect the people and promote their welfare.
He also attributed improvements in the state’s security situation to the implementation of the Anambra Homeland Security Law, describing it as a significant contributor to the state’s security architecture.
“We may have different branches of government, but we have one objective: the security and welfare of Ndi Anambra,” he stated.
On the internal crisis within the Anglican Communion in Anambra State, the governor maintained that his administration had remained neutral, describing the disagreement as an internal matter of the church.
He expressed hope that the parties involved would resolve their differences peacefully, adding that the government’s responsibility was to maintain law and order rather than interfere in the church’s internal affairs.
Soludo also revealed his longstanding admiration for the legal profession, recalling that he once considered studying law at university but abandoned the ambition after sensing his father’s disapproval.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, described the commencement of the new legal year as an opportunity for the judiciary to assess its performance, examine existing challenges and identify areas requiring urgent attention.
He commended Governor Soludo for maintaining a cordial working relationship with the judiciary but appealed for increased government support to enable the institution to discharge its constitutional responsibilities effectively.
“The Anambra State Judiciary needs help. Your presence today has given us renewed hope,” the Chief Judge said.
The church service was presided over by the Bishop of Aguata, Supervising Bishop of the Diocese of Awka and Coordinating Bishop of the Province on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor.
The event attracted judicial officers, legal practitioners and government officials, who gathered to mark the beginning of the 2026/2027 Legal Year and seek divine guidance for the effective administration of justice in Anambra State.
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