History has been made again as Nigerian-born former minister of Justice, Kelechi Madu has been sworn in as the Deputy Premier of Alberta, Canada. This heroic feat is coming a few months after initial turbulence over a phone call.
It could be recalled that Madu was accused of interfering in a traffic offence committed by someone he knows by placing a call to the office involved. He was then in the Ministry of Justice.
Madu was asked to step aside while the investigation lasted, and was later cleared of the offence of trying to pervert the cause of justice.
In view of the incident, Madu was asked to move from the Ministry of Justice, where he was Minister, to the Ministry of Labour and Immigration.
Announcing the decision, the Premier of Alberta, Jason Kenney said despite being exonerated by a report from an investigation panel, it would be appropriate for Madu to step aside from the Ministry of Justice position.
Kenney said: “The report concludes that Minister Madu did not interfere in the administration of justice but that the phone call could create a reasonable perception of interference.
“It is clear from the report that his motivation in making the call was not to reverse the ticket but to raise broader concerns, particularly related to racial profiling.
“Nevertheless, as Ms. Kent concludes, ‘being angry, wanting assurances that he was not racially profiled are all understandable reactions, given the context of the phone call. It does not absolve the Minister from responsibility, but it is an explanation that deserves recognition.’
“Given her findings, and the unique role of the office of the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, I have concluded that it would be appropriate for Minister Madu to step aside from that position.”
He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta on April 16, 2019 as the MLA for Edmonton-South West.
Kelechi (Kaycee) Madu was sworn in as Deputy Premier on October 24, 2022 and as Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions (previously Labour and Immigration) on February 25, 2022.
He previously served as the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General and the Minister of Municipal Affairs.
The father of three was born and raised in the Southeastern part of Nigeria.
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