By CHIMEZIE ANASO

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has called on the President of the Court of Appeal to reopen its Awka Division to facilitate speedy dispensation of justice.

Soludo made the call on Friday during the start of the 2026/2027 Legal Year in Awka.

He said the high volume of cases generated in the state justified reopening the division, adding that its continued closure was hindering speedy justice delivery.

The governor said his administration was committed to expediting justice, noting that the appellate court’s absence was inconsistent with that objective.

He also said the state’s plea-bargain initiative was helping to decongest correctional facilities.

“Anambra is second to Lagos in terms of number of cases generated. We are more deserving to have the Court of Appeal.

“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,” he said.

Soludo also urged members of the legal profession to embrace locally produced wigs and gowns instead of imported judicial regalia.

He said importing the items created employment opportunities abroad at the expense of local industries and jobs.

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

“Let us eat what we produce and wear what we make. That is the way to help the economy,” he said.

The governor commended the synergy among the three arms of government in Anambra, attributing the enactment of the Homeland Security Law to their cooperation.

He said the law had transformed the state’s security architecture and helped restore calm.

Soludo also commended the Attorney-General for ensuring the welfare of judicial staff and provision of judicial infrastructure.

Earlier, the Chief Judge of Anambra, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, described the legal year ceremony as an opportunity for the judiciary to assess its performance and reposition for the future.

Anyachebelu commended Soludo for maintaining a cordial working relationship with the judiciary but appealed for increased support for the sector.

The special service was presided over by Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, Bishop of Aguata and Supervising Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, who is also the Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger. (NAN)