By Tony Okafor, Awka
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has declared that his administration remains neutral in the leadership crisis rocking the Anglican Diocese of Awka, describing the dispute as an internal affair of the church.
Soludo, who spoke during a church service marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year of the Anambra State Judiciary, said the government would not take sides in the dispute but would ensure that law and order were maintained.
Describing the crisis as a private affair of the Anglican Church in Anambra State and Nigeria, the governor expressed hope that the church would find an amicable resolution.
“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 also serves as Coordinating Bishop of the Province on the Niger.
The governor used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to the administration of justice, calling for the immediate reopening of the Court of Appeal in Anambra State.
He argued that the volume of litigation generated in the state, which he said was second only to Lagos, justified the continued presence of the appellate court.
“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,” he said.
Soludo also called on the legal profession to consider replacing imported wigs and gowns with locally manufactured alternatives, arguing that importing legal regalia amounted to exporting employment opportunities.
“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 often wears Akwete fabric to public functions, said his choice of attire was part of efforts to promote locally manufactured products.
He also expressed satisfaction with the relationship between the three arms of government in the state, saying their common responsibility was to ensure the security and welfare of the people.
According to him, the state’s Homeland Security Law has contributed to improving the security situation, while the administration’s plea bargain initiative has helped decongest correctional facilities.
Soludo further commended the state judiciary and assured judicial officers of his administration’s commitment to their welfare and the provision of necessary infrastructure.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, described the legal year ceremony as an opportunity for the judiciary to assess its performance and reposition itself for improved service delivery.
While commending the governor for what he described as a cordial working relationship between the executive and the judiciary, Anyachebelu appealed for urgent government intervention in addressing the challenges facing the state’s judicial system.
“The Anambra State Judiciary needs help. Your presence today has given us renewed hope,” the Chief Judge said.
