Ishola Congratulates CCII on Ibadan Cultural Festival

Hon. Adekunle Ishola (Ojuabere) has congratulated the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) on the successful hosting of the Ibadan Cultural Festival, describing the event as a powerful celebration of the rich heritage and enduring unity of the Ibadan people.

In a statement, Ishola, a member of the Ibadan Progressive Association of Australia, IPAA, an affiliate club of CCII in the diaspora, commended the leadership of the council for sustaining the cultural legacy of the ancient city through consistent promotion of its traditions and values.

He noted that the festival serves as a unifying platform for sons and daughters of Ibadan across the globe, fostering cultural pride, community development, and intergenerational connection.

Hon. Ishola, who hails from Ibadan North West, also highlighted his deep-rooted connection to the council, being the son of a former Secretary of CCII, Chief Gbade Ishola.

He said this legacy continues to inspire his commitment to the progress and preservation of Ibadan’s cultural identity.

While congratulating the organizers on a successful outing, the House of Representatives aspirant for Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency reaffirmed his dedication to initiatives that promote culture, youth engagement, and socio-economic development in Ibadanland.

*Centre defends due process in appointment of IST Chairman Aminu Junaidu*

*…says reforms boosting investor confidence in capital market*

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CSJET) has defended the appointment of Barrister Aminu Junaidu as Chairman of the Investment and Securities Tribunal (IST), insisting that due process was followed and rejecting claims that the appointment violated the Investment and Securities Act 2025.

Speaking at a press conference held on Friday in Abuja, Executive Director of the Centre, Pastor David D. Yakubu, said the appointment was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu within his constitutional authority, and that there was no evidence of any breach of established legal or administrative frameworks.

CSJET said much of the public debate surrounding the appointment had been shaped by misinterpretation of governance processes, stressing that executive decisions must be understood within the context of institutional needs and constitutional powers.

“The appointment was duly approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, acting within the constitutional powers vested in his office. In a constitutional democracy, such authority is exercised within defined legal and administrative frameworks, not arbitrarily,” Yakubu said.

The Centre also urged caution in interpreting administrative developments as illegality, warning against what it described as “selective readings” of government actions.

“The existence of differing narratives does not automatically translate into illegality. What must guide public judgment is the totality of the process, not isolated fragments of it,” he added.

CSJET further noted that appointments of heads of agencies are processed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, with formal letters issued through established channels.

“For clarity, appointments of Heads of Agencies are processed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and formal letters of appointment are issued accordingly. This is a well-established administrative procedure,” Yakubu said.

The group also defended Junaidu’s qualifications, describing him as a seasoned legal practitioner with extensive experience in governance and public administration.

“Barrister Aminu Junaidu is a seasoned legal practitioner with extensive experience in governance and public administration. As a former Attorney-General of Zamfara State, he operated at the highest levels of legal advisory and institutional management,” CSJET stated.

The group added that his experience was relevant to the demands of the tribunal, which operates at the intersection of law and economic regulation.

“The argument that qualification must be narrowly restricted to a specific segment of capital market practice overlooks the broader competencies required for modern institutional leadership—analytical depth, legal expertise, and administrative capacity,” the Centre said.

On performance, CSJET said the tribunal had recorded improvements since Junaidu assumed office following a formal handover on October 26, 2025.

“Since assuming office, Barrister Aminu Junaidu has demonstrated a commitment to restoring order, stability, and efficiency within the Investment and Securities Tribunal,” he said.

The group added that there had been improvements in efficiency, inclusiveness, and case management, which it said had contributed to rising confidence among legal practitioners.

“More lawyers are increasingly bringing new cases before the Tribunal, encouraged by a growing reputation for timely and efficient dispute resolution,” CSJET said.

He also highlighted international engagements as evidence of growing institutional credibility, citing visits by foreign delegations.

“On March 13, 2026, the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria paid an official visit to the tribunal to understudy its processes and engage with its leadership,” the group said.

“On March 27, 2026, a delegation from Ethiopia’s capital market institutions visited the tribunal to exchange ideas and learn from its evolving systems. These visits reflect increasing confidence in the tribunal’s direction,” he said.

CSJET said such engagements demonstrated that Nigeria’s capital market institutions were gaining recognition beyond the country’s borders.

“These visits reflect increasing confidence in the tribunal’s direction and the reforms being implemented. They show that Nigeria’s capital market institutions are being recognised beyond our borders,” he stated.

The organisation warned against what it described as narratives that could undermine institutional stability.

“We must be careful not to elevate disagreement into crisis, or to reinterpret administrative developments as constitutional breaches without clear and compelling evidence,” he said.

CSJET further stressed that investor confidence depended on stability and trust in regulatory institutions.

“The capital market thrives on trust, predictability, and stability. It is important that discourse around its institutions remains factual and balanced,” the group added.

The Centre reiterated that the appointment of Junaidu followed due process and was consistent with constitutional provisions.

“The appointment of Barrister Aminu Junaidu followed due process and reflects the lawful exercise of constitutional authority,” he added.

Leadership in Times of Crisis

~by Dare Adelekan.

In moments of national crisis, leadership is not only measured by policy decisions but by presence, empathy, and a visible commitment to the people. Nigeria today finds itself once again grappling with persistent insecurity, particularly in regions such as Benue and Plateau States, where communities continue to suffer devastating attacks.

A Contrast of Political Narratives

It is impossible to ignore the contrast between past and present political narratives. In 2015, during the insurgency under President Goodluck Jonathan, opposition voices—now part of the current administration—were unrelenting in their criticism. His efforts to engage troops at the theatre of war were dismissed in some quarters with derision, and his leadership was publicly questioned.

Today, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the expectations set by that era demand reflection. The standards once used to judge leadership must now be applied with the same level of scrutiny and honesty.

Rising Security Concerns

Reports of continued attacks, including the tragic loss of senior military officers, have heightened public anxiety. Within a short span, the killing of two army generals by insurgents underscores the severity of the security challenges facing the nation. For many Nigerians, these incidents are not just statistics—they are painful reminders of a crisis that remains unresolved.

The Importance of Empathy and Presence

Equally concerning is the perception of distance between leadership and the people in times of grief. For communities in mourning, symbolic gestures—such as visits, condolences, and shared moments of solidarity—carry profound meaning. When these are absent or appear insufficient, it risks deepening the sense of abandonment felt by affected citizens.

The Core Responsibility of Government

The duty of government is clear: the security and welfare of the people must remain paramount. This is not merely a constitutional obligation but a moral one. At a time when Nigerians are looking to their leaders for reassurance and decisive action, there must be a renewed focus on confronting insecurity with urgency, transparency, and compassion.

Beyond Politics

Political ambitions and future elections will always be part of democratic life. However, they must never overshadow the immediate responsibility to protect lives and restore confidence in the state. Leadership, in its truest sense, demands prioritizing the nation’s pain over political calculations.

A Call for Responsible Leadership

Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. What is required now is not rhetoric, but resolve—demonstrated through action, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and dignity of every citizen.