Soludo demands reopening of Anambra Court of Appeal, pushes for “made-in-Nigeria legal regalia as 2026/2027 legal year begins

By Emmanuel Ndukuba, Awka

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, has demanded the immediate reopening of the Court of Appeal in the state, declaring that Anambra’s high volume of litigation—second only to Lagos—makes its continued closure indefensible.

Speaking at a church service on Friday marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year of the Anambra State Judiciary, the Governor also challenged the Nigerian legal profession to ditch imported wigs and gowns in favor of locally produced attire, arguing that the current practice exports much-needed jobs abroad.

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 top judicial officers, legal practitioners, and government functionaries to reflect on the past year and chart a course for the future.

“Come and Open Your Court,” Soludo stated.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to justice delivery while calling out the dormancy of the appellate court in the state.

“Anambra, after Lagos, generates more cases. We are more deserving to have the Court of Appeal,” Governor Soludo stated firmly. “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 reaffirmed his passion for the bench, praising the State Attorney General as one who “thinks and talks justice every day,” and assured judicial officers that his administration does not make empty promises regarding their welfare and infrastructure. He also noted that the state’s Plea Bargain initiative is successfully decongesting correctional facilities.

In a passionate appeal for economic patriotism, Soludo—known for his signature Akwete fabric attire—urged the legal community to rethink its colonial dress code.

“Can we change the law regalia into what is made in Nigeria? We are creating jobs abroad by importing all the regalia you wear,” the Governor challenged. “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.”

On a lighter note, Governor Soludo revealed a personal connection to the bar, sharing that he had once passionately wanted to study law. “The day I went to tell my dad that I was filling out the form to study law, from his body language, I knew that he did not approve,” he recounted, adding that despite his career path, the legal profession remains “a glamorous one.”

Highlighting the synergy between the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, Governor Soludo credited the state’s Homeland Security Law with revolutionizing Anambra’s security architecture and restoring calm across the state. “We may have different branches of government, but we have one objective: the security and welfare of Ndi Anambra,” he said.

Turning to internal matters within the Anglican Communion, the Governor clarified that his government has maintained strict neutrality. Describing the situation as a “private affair of the Anglican Church in Anambra and Nigeria,” the Governor wished the church God’s Grace for an amicable resolution, noting that the state’s sole duty is to maintain law and order.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, described the Legal Year ceremony as a vital moment for the judiciary to reassess its past performance and reposition for the future.

While commending Governor Soludo for fostering a strong working relationship with the bench, Justice Anyachebelu appealed for urgent intervention in key areas.

“The Anambra State Judiciary needs help. Your presence today has given us renewed hope,” he said.