Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has called for the immediate reopening of the Court of Appeal in the state, arguing that Anambra generates the second-highest volume of court cases in the country after Lagos.
Soludo made the demand during a special church service marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year of the Anambra State Judiciary.
He questioned why the appellate court remained closed despite what he described as the state’s substantial litigation burden, insisting that Anambra deserved a functioning Court of Appeal.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the judiciary through improved infrastructure and attention to the welfare of judicial officers.
He highlighted the state’s plea-bargain initiative as part of efforts to reduce congestion in correctional facilities and commended the Attorney General for his contribution to justice delivery.
Soludo further urged lawyers and judicial officers to embrace locally manufactured wigs, gowns and other courtroom attire, saying the continued importation of legal regalia was creating jobs abroad rather than supporting Nigerian industries.
He encouraged members of the legal profession to patronise locally made products, citing his use of Akwete fabric as an example of promoting indigenous production.
The governor also called for cooperation among the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, stressing that the three arms of government shared a common responsibility to protect the security and welfare of Anambra residents.
In his remarks, the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, described the new Legal Year as an opportunity for the judiciary to assess its performance and address challenges affecting justice delivery.
While commending Soludo for maintaining a cordial relationship with the judiciary, the Chief Judge appealed for urgent government intervention in critical areas, declaring that the state judiciary needed support to function effectively.
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