**Anambra Judiciary in Crisis: Judges and Magistrates in Short Supply** In Anambra State, the wheels of justice are grinding to a halt due to a severe shortage of judges and magistrates. This has led to a backlog of cases in courts across the state, causing anxiety among litigants and stakeholders. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has sounded the alarm, revealing that the state's judiciary is understaffed and ill-equipped to handle the increasing volume of cases. **A Grossly Inadequate Bench** According to the JSC, there are only 64 magistrates serving the 35 magisterial districts of Anambra State, a ratio that is woefully inadequate. This scarcity of magistrates has resulted in a significant backlog of cases, leaving many litigants frustrated and disappointed. The situation is further compounded by the fact that the number of High Court judges has dropped from 40 to just 29, a number that is dwarfed by Lagos State, which has a comparable volume of pending cases but boasts a much larger pool of judges. **A Call for Action** The JSC is urging Governor Chukwuma Soludo to approve the appointment of more High Court judges to address the shortage. With more judges on board, the commission hopes to decongest the courts and accelerate the delivery of justice. Increasing the number of magistrates is also crucial to improving access to justice at the grassroots, where many citizens rely on these courts to settle disputes and resolve conflicts. **Strengthening Discipline and Integrity** In a bid to strengthen discipline and integrity within the judiciary, the JSC has taken disciplinary measures against two magistrates and 24 judicial workers who were found guilty of misconduct. The commission has also set up a three-man Investigation and Disciplinary Committee to probe allegations against judicial officers and workers. While the JSC welcomes reports of corrupt practices and misconduct, it warns against frivolous and unsubstantiated allegations that could undermine the integrity of the judiciary. **A Critical Moment for Anambra Judiciary** The shortage of judges and magistrates in Anambra State is a critical issue that demands urgent attention. The JSC's call for action is a clarion call to the government and other stakeholders to prioritize the strengthening of the judiciary. With a well-staffed and well-equipped judiciary, Anambra State can look forward to a more efficient and effective dispensation of justice, one that will benefit citizens and enhance the rule of law in