Buhari hails newly-appointed Nigerian-born Justice Minister in Canada

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Nigerian-born lawyer, Kaycee Madu who was appointed as the Minister of Justice and Solicitor-General for the Government of Albertain in Canada.

In a statement through his media adviser, President Buhari said Madu made history as the first African born provincial minister in Canadian history, who is also the Provincial Secretary and Keeper of the Great Seal of the Province of Alberta, ThisdayLive reports.

Adesina said Buhari described the honor as “landmark and historic,” noting that it once again showcased the people of Nigerian descent as go-getters, who distinguish themselves in different walks of life.

He said the president added that Madu as the first black Justice Minister and Solicitor-General in Canada, had automatically entered his name in history books, and urged Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to remain good ambassadors of their country.

Kaycee Madu appointment as the first black justice minister follows a cabinet reshuffle by Alberta Premier, Jason Kenney.

On Tuesday, Madu was moved from the Municipal Affairs portfolio to Justice and Solicitor General, Canadian news portal, globalnews.ca reports.

Kenney said one of Madu’s biggest responsibilities will be to oversee the completion of the statutory review of the Police Act “at a time when we are all rightfully more sensitive to the reality of racial prejudice.”

“In particular, I believe modernizing the Police Act will be a necessary step towards ensuring equality for marginalized people before the law, and I look forward to that important work ahead," he said.

In a post on Facebook, Madu wrote: “As a foreign-trained lawyer, I cherish the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which says, ‘Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination.’ I want to ensure that these words flourish in the lives of Albertans, and inspire confidence, not uncertainty.”

Thank you, everyone, for all the well wishes. I am beyond humbled to accept my new role as Minister of Justice and Solicitor General - where I will pursue fairness, equality, and justice for all with every ounce of strength I have. More here: https://t.co/nmLf4bbsC3 #ableg pic.twitter.com/tHt8JrEthr

— Kaycee Madu (@KayceeMaduYEG) August 25, 2020