Governor Chukwuma Soludo has called for the immediate reopening of the Court of Appeal in Anambra State, arguing that the state’s high volume of litigation, reportedly second only to Lagos, makes its continued closure unjustifiable.
The Governor made the call during a church service marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year of the Anambra State Judiciary, where he also challenged the Nigerian legal profession to abandon imported wigs and gowns in favour of locally produced alternatives.
The special service, 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, brought together judicial officers, legal practitioners and government functionaries to review the judiciary’s performance and discuss its future.
Speaking at the event, Soludo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice delivery but expressed dissatisfaction with the continued closure of the appellate court in the state.
“Anambra, after Lagos, generates more cases. We are more deserving to have the Court of Appeal,” he said.
“The Court of Appeal in Anambra should not be closed for one day if merit and need happen to be the criteria. Come and open your court.”
The Governor praised the State Attorney General for his commitment to justice and assured judicial officers of his administration’s continued support in improving their welfare and providing necessary infrastructure.
He also highlighted the state’s Plea Bargain initiative, which he said was helping to decongest correctional facilities.
On economic development and local content promotion, Soludo urged lawyers to reconsider the profession’s traditional dress code, arguing that continued reliance on imported legal regalia was costing Nigeria employment opportunities.
“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.
“Let us eat what we produce and wear what we make. That is the way to help the economy. I wear Akwete to promote Made-in-Nigeria.”
The Governor also shared his personal interest in the legal profession, revealing that he had once aspired to study law but abandoned the ambition after sensing his father’s disapproval.
He recalled that when he informed his father about his intention to fill out a form to study law, his father’s body language suggested he did not support the decision.
Despite pursuing a different career path, Soludo described the legal profession as a glamorous one.
Addressing the relationship among the three arms of government, the Governor highlighted the importance of cooperation between the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary in promoting security and the welfare of residents.
He credited the state’s Homeland Security Law with transforming Anambra’s security architecture and helping to restore calm across communities.
“We may have different branches of government, but we have one objective: the security and welfare of Ndi Anambra,” he said.
Soludo also addressed the leadership situation within the Anglican Communion, stressing that his administration had maintained neutrality in the matter.
Describing the dispute as a private affair of the Anglican Church in Anambra and Nigeria, he expressed hope for an amicable resolution, adding that the government’s responsibility was to maintain law and order.
Also speaking, the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, described the Legal Year ceremony as an important opportunity for the judiciary to assess its performance, address challenges and reposition for improved service delivery.
While commending Soludo for maintaining a cordial working relationship with the judiciary, Anyachebelu appealed for urgent government intervention in critical areas affecting the institution.
“The Anambra State Judiciary needs help. Your presence today has given us renewed hope,” the Chief Judge said.
