By Sunny A. David, Awka
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has declared that his administration will remain neutral in the leadership crisis rocking the Anglican Diocese of Awka, describing the dispute as an internal matter of the church.
The governor stated this during a church service marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year of the Anambra State Judiciary, where he stressed that the state government would not interfere in the disagreement but would ensure the maintenance of law and order
Soludo expressed hope that the church leadership would resolve the crisis amicably, noting that the government had no intention of taking sides in the matter.
“My government is neutral. This is a private affair of the Anglican Church in Anambra and Nigeria. I wish the church God’s grace for an amicable resolution. Our responsibility as government is to maintain law and order,” he said.
The service was presided over by the Bishop of Aguata and Supervising Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, who is also the Coordinating Bishop of the Province on the Niger.
Speaking further, Soludo renewed his call for the immediate reopening of the Court of Appeal in Anambra State, arguing that the high volume of cases generated in the state justified the continued operation of the appellate court.
According to him, Anambra ranks second only to Lagos in the number of cases handled, making the closure of the court difficult to justify.
“Anambra, after Lagos, generates more cases. 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,” the governor stated.
He also urged members of the legal profession to consider replacing imported wigs and gowns with locally produced alternatives as part of efforts to promote indigenous industries and create employment opportunities.
Soludo argued that importing legal attire amounted to supporting foreign industries at the expense of local manufacturers.
“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, who is known for wearing Akwete fabric to public functions, explained that his choice of clothing was part of his commitment to promoting locally made products.
He further expressed satisfaction with the cordial relationship among the three arms of government in Anambra State, noting that their collective responsibility was to guarantee the security and welfare of the people.
Soludo attributed the improvement in the state’s security situation partly to the implementation of the Homeland Security Law. He also said the administration’s plea-bargaining initiative had helped reduce congestion in correctional facilities.
He commended the state judiciary for its contributions to the administration of justice and assured judicial officers of his government’s continued commitment to their welfare and the provision of essential infrastructure.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, described the legal year ceremony as an opportunity for the judiciary to review its performance and strengthen its commitment to effective justice delivery.
While appreciating the governor for maintaining a cordial working relationship with the judiciary, Anyachebelu appealed for urgent government intervention to address the challenges confronting the state’s judicial system.
“The Anambra State Judiciary needs help. Your presence today has given us renewed hope,” the Chief Judge said.
The ceremony brought together key stakeholders in the state’s justice sector to mark the beginning of another legal year and reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the administration of justice in Anambra State.
