The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, swore in Etomike Ndigwe and Tagbo Anieto as High Court judges of the Anambra State judiciary. The ceremony took place in the Executive Council Chamber of Government House, Awka, and was announced by Soludo’s press secretary, Christian Aburime, on Friday. The swearing‑in is part of an effort to reduce the heavy workload currently borne by the state’s judges. Governor Soludo congratulated the new members of Anambra’s core court, thanked God for their calling to public service, and praised them as outstanding professionals.
In his remarks, Soludo said that, despite challenges, the issue of judges’ entitlements will be addressed in phases beginning in March. He emphasized that the three branches of government—legislative, executive, and judiciary—must cooperate to create a livable and prosperous Anambra. “Security, law and order are our top priorities and form the first pillar of our agenda. Nothing happens if they are absent,” he declared. The second pillar, focused on infrastructure and economic transformation, cannot succeed without the first. He underscored that the rule of law is essential for job creation, revenue generation, crime reduction, and a functional legal system.
The governor acknowledged the significant responsibility now resting on the new judges’ shoulders. He recalled the chief judge’s observation that Anambra ranks second to Lagos in productivity, expressing hope for a positive shift. Within existing constraints, Soludo pledged to improve working conditions for the judiciary and to ensure swift administration of justice, noting that revenue is the only limiting factor.
Soludo also highlighted Anambra’s need to boost internally generated revenue, drawing a comparison with Lagos. He noted that the state collected only N20 billion in a year, whereas Lagos generates over N1 trillion annually. “If we can collect just five percent of what Lagos does, we could earn up to N50 billion each year,” he said. He blamed the oil boom for a decline in tax compliance and called for a return to traditional tax collection methods. The governor affirmed the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, road construction, and overall improvement of Anambra, urging collective responsibility and invoking God’s grace for continued success.
State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje, presented the two nominees recommended by the Anambra Judicial Council for appointment under section 271(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). She noted that they are the first judges Soludo has sworn in since taking office and reminded them that their oath obliges them to support and defend the Constitution, enforcing the rule of law without fear. Their timely appointment, she said, will help alleviate the judges’ workload.
Earlier, Chief Registrar of the Anambra State Judiciary, Chinyere Ossy Okoye, formally presented the nominees to Governor Soludo, invoking his constitutional authority to appoint and swear them in as High Court judges. Chief Judge Hon. Justice Onochie Anyachelu, who initiated the appointment process, described the event as a special step toward faster dispensation of justice.
The ceremony was attended by a wide array of officials, including Speaker of the Anambra House of Assembly Dr. Uche Okafor, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Head of Service Theodore Igwegbe, Deputy Speaker Pascal Agbodike, Commissioner for Special Duties Sly Ezeokenwa, Solicitor General Ngozi Ilunoh, Esq., Commissioner for Information Sir Paul Nwosu, Commissioner for Environment Felix Odimegwu, Special Adviser on Culture and Entertainment Chief Sir Bob Manuel Udokwu, as well as judges and members of the Anambra State Bar Association and other dignitaries.
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