Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has appealed to the President of the Court of Appeal to reopen the court’s Awka Division, citing the need to improve access to justice and reduce delays in handling cases.
Soludo made the appeal on Friday during the opening ceremony of the 2026/2027 Legal Year in Awka, where he argued that the volume of cases originating from the state warranted the return of the appellate court.
He said the continued closure of the division was affecting the timely administration of justice, adding that its reopening would support his administration’s efforts to strengthen the justice system.
The governor noted that Anambra ranked second only to Lagos in the number of cases generated, making it deserving of a functional Court of Appeal division.
“Anambra is second to Lagos in terms of the number of cases generated. We are more deserving to have the Court of Appeal,” he said.
He further maintained that the court should remain operational in the state if decisions on its location were based on merit, urging the relevant authorities to restore its activities in Awka.
Soludo also highlighted his administration’s plea-bargain programme, saying it had contributed to reducing congestion in correctional facilities.
In another appeal, the governor called on legal practitioners to patronise locally manufactured wigs, gowns and other judicial attire rather than importing them.
He argued that dependence on imported legal regalia was creating employment opportunities outside Nigeria while limiting opportunities for local manufacturers.
According to him, embracing locally produced alternatives would support domestic industries, create jobs and strengthen the economy.
The governor also praised the working relationship among the executive, legislature and judiciary in Anambra, saying their cooperation facilitated the passage of the Homeland Security Law.
He attributed improvements in the state’s security situation to the law, which he said had helped transform its security architecture and restore calm.
Soludo equally commended the state Attorney-General for prioritising the welfare of judicial workers and providing infrastructure to support the administration of justice.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, described the opening of the legal year as an opportunity for the judiciary to review its activities and identify areas requiring improvement.
Anyachebelu praised the governor for maintaining a cordial relationship with the judiciary but called for more government support to strengthen the sector.
The ceremony featured a special church service conducted by the Bishop of Aguata and Supervising Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, who also serves as the Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger.
(NAN)
