Buhari congratulates Madu, Nigerian named Justice Minister in Canada

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Nigerian born Kaycee Madu, appointed Minister of Justice and Solicitor General for the Government of Alberta, in Canada.

The president’s congratulatory message was conveyed in a statement by Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, in Abuja on Thursday.

Madu makes history as the first African born provincial Minister in Canadian history, and is also the Provincial Secretary and Keeper of the Great Seal of the Province of Alberta.

Buhari described the honour as “landmark and historic,” saying “it once again pedestals people of Nigerian descent as go-getters, who distinguish themselves in different walks of life.’’

According to the president, as the first Black Justice Minister and Solicitor-General in Canada, Madu has written himself into history books.

He urged Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to remain good Ambassadors of their country.

Born and raised in South Eastern Nigeria, Madu graduated from the University of Lagos with a law degree in 2001. He and his wife moved to Canada in 2005. They have three children.

Madu, who has practised law in both Nigeria and Alberta, was first elected as an MLA in the April 2019 general election.

READ: Nigeria’s Chi Onwurah, daughter of Biafran soldier, sworn in as member of British Parliament

Dunia Nur, president of the Edmonton-based African Canadian Civic Engagement Council, said Madu has become a role model for the community.

“Whether we agree with one party or another that doesn’t really matter, especially for the Black voice right now,” Nur said in an interview Tuesday.

“What matters is effective Black people that are educated, that have integrity, that also have education background, are the ones that are occupying the space.”

The council promotes and strengthens opportunities for members of the African, Caribbean and Black communities across Canada.

Nur said Madu is well suited to his new role, not only because of his background as a lawyer but also because he is an active member of the African community.

“Historically, these are positions that have been occupied by white men that have no understanding of the disproportional impact of the justice system and what Black communities experience,” she said.

“By him being the minister of justice, it shows that the government is listening.”