society

Centre defends due process in appointment of IST Chairman Aminu Junaidu

Published

3 weeks ago

April 10, 2026

Sahara Weekly

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.

society

Workers are the true drivers of Lagos’ economic success,” Obasa

Published

2 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

“Workers are the true drivers of Lagos’ economic success,” Obasa

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, has congratulated workers in Lagos State and across Nigeria on the occasion of May 1st, the International Workers’ Day, describing them as the true drivers of the state’s economic success.

In a message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Rt. Hon. Obasa commended the resilience, dedication, and sacrifices of workers who continue to sustain the economy and uphold the values of hard work and productivity. He noted that the progress Lagos has recorded over the years would not have been possible without the steadfast commitment of its workforce.

The Speaker also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent efforts to give Nigerian workers a new lease of life through salary increases and other welfare-driven policies. He described these measures as timely interventions that reflect the President’s commitment to improving the living standards of the nation’s workforce.

“As we mark Workers’ Day, I salute the men and women whose labour remains the backbone of our society. Your contributions are invaluable, and your sacrifices inspire us to continue building a Lagos that thrives on fairness, innovation, and opportunity for all,” the Speaker said.

Dr. Obasa further assured workers that the Lagos State House of Assembly remains committed to enacting laws and policies that protect their rights, enhance their welfare, and create an environment that fosters sustainable growth. He urged them to remain steadfast and hopeful, emphasizing that their efforts would continue to shape a brighter future for Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

On behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Speaker wished all workers a Happy Workers’ Day.

society

Grace Nation PHDS: “Groaning in the Spirit Breaks Perpetual Bondage” — Dr Chris Okafor

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Grace Nation PHDS: “Groaning in the Spirit Breaks Perpetual Bondage”

— Dr Chris Okafor

…No demonic force can withstand spiritual groaning

…The spiritual realm overrides the physical

Praying in the Spirit—particularly through groaning and speaking in tongues—has the capacity to break longstanding bondage and provoke immediate divine intervention.

This was the central message delivered by the Generational Prophet and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr Chris Okafor, during the Midweek Prophetic Healing, Deliverance and Solutions (PHDS) service at the church’s international headquarters in Ojodu Berger, Lagos.

Speaking during prophetic declarations, Dr Okafor emphasized that when believers engage in deep, Spirit-led prayer, especially in unknown tongues, they activate a higher dimension of divine response.

According to him, such prayers attract immediate attention from God and can alter difficult situations.

He noted that strategic and intense prayer against forces of bondage can shift negative circumstances. “When you engage the Spirit at that level, God steps in and rewrites the narrative in your favour,” he stated.

Addressing the sub-theme of spiritual slavery and bondage, the cleric explained that groaning in the Spirit disrupts negative spiritual influences. He added that speaking in tongues creates confusion within what he described as opposing spiritual forces, leading to a breakdown of their operations.

Prophetic Moments and Outreach

The service reportedly took on a heightened prophetic dimension, with sessions focused on deliverance and restoration.

According to the church, individuals experienced breakthroughs as prayers were offered over various personal challenges.

In a notable outreach gesture, the ministry distributed over 70 wedding gowns to single women, while also making prophetic declarations concerning families seeking children, with 27 “miracle baby” blessings pronounced during the service.

Prayer for the Nation

The PHDS gathering concluded with prayers for Nigeria, as Dr Okafor called for divine guidance for national leaders ahead of the country’s upcoming political activities.

The service combined teaching, prophetic engagement, and humanitarian gestures, reflecting the ministry’s emphasis on spiritual intervention and social support.

society

Workers Day: Ajadi Felicitates Civil Servants, Promises Continuous Welfarism Policies If Elected As Governor

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Workers Day: Ajadi Felicitates Civil Servants, Promises Continuous Welfarism Policies If Elected As Governor

As workers across the World celebrate their day on Friday, May 1, 2026, a leading Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has rejoiced with the workers in Oyo State.

This is as he also promised to continue the welfarism policies and enhancement of civil servants by the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde when elected as the Governor of the state in 2027.

International Workers’ Day, also called Labour Day or May Day is a celebration of labourers and the workforce that is promoted by the international labour movement and occurs every year on May 1.

Ajadi, in a statement on Thursday, said that workers are the engine rooms of development all over the world, saying that their contributions to national development and growth cannot be ignored by any government.

He then rejoiced with the workers on the occasion of their annual day and wished them a good celebration.

Ajadi, a business tycoon and employer of labour, said that the harsh economy is telling hard on the living conditions of workers, promising that a PDP-led government at the federal level will introduce workers’ friendly policies.

He used the occasion of this year’s Workers Day to commend Governor Seyi Makinde for his good working relations with the workers and more importantly for the prompt payment of salaries and pension for workers and retirees.

“I thank our leader, Governor Seyi Makinde for his love for the workers, and regular payment of salaries on the 25th of every month is commendable,” Ajadi said.

He promised that when elected, he will continue the workers friendly policies of Governor Seyi Makinde of the state.