society
Centre defends due process in appointment of IST Chairman Aminu Junaidu
*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.
Ahead of 2027: BSA Diaspora Vanguard Backs Sarafadeen Alli for Oyo State Governor
Support for APC chieftain Barrister Sarafadeen Alli’s 2027 governorship ambition is growing both at home and abroad, with the BSA Diaspora Vanguard in North America throwing its weight behind him.
The group, led by Chief Dr. Olayinka Afolabi, Chief Coordinator of the BSA Diaspora Vanguard North America Chapter, said it is committed to mobilizing resources and awareness to ensure Alli emerges as Oyo State’s next governor.
“Barrister Sarafadeen Alli is tested, trusted, and understands what the people of Oyo State need,” Chief Afolabi said. “We in the BSA Diaspora Vanguard North America are determined to complement his efforts by enlightening Oyo indigenes in the diaspora and rallying support to bring this vision to reality.”
The group added that it would intensify outreach across North America to inform the Oyo community about Alli’s track record and plans for the state.
Banwo Law Offers Lifeline as New USCIS Policy Threatens Immigrants With Re-Entry Bans
A major immigration policy shift being considered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) could place thousands of immigrants at risk of severe re-entry penalties, according to renowned immigration attorney Ope Banwo, whose law firm, Banwo Law, says it is already helping affected individuals navigate the evolving situation.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Octopus News, Banwo warned that the policy memo issued by USCIS on May 22 could dramatically alter the pathway many immigrants currently use to obtain permanent residency in the United States.
According to him, USCIS is signaling that Adjustment of Status inside the United States may no longer be treated as the standard route to obtaining a Green Card, but rather as an “extraordinary” form of relief.
If fully implemented, the policy could require many immigrants to complete their Green Card processing through U.S. embassies and consulates abroad instead of remaining in America during the process.
Banwo explained that the potential policy change could affect a broad category of immigrants, including H1B workers, F1 students, B1/B2 visitors, exchange visitors, temporary workers, and even some immigrants currently maintaining lawful status in the United States.
“For decades, Adjustment of Status has protected many immigrants from dangerous immigration consequences tied to leaving the United States,” Banwo stated.
“The danger now is that some immigrants could unknowingly trigger automatic three-year or ten-year re-entry bans the moment they depart America for overseas visa processing.”
He noted that many immigrants are unaware that prolonged unlawful presence in the United States can activate severe immigration penalties once they leave the country, even if their departure is tied to official immigration processing.
According to Banwo, marriage-based Green Card applicants, employment-based immigrants, visa overstays, and temporary workers transitioning to permanent residency may all face significant legal complications under the proposed policy direction.
However, Banwo urged immigrants not to panic, stressing that proper legal guidance and strategic planning remain critical.
He warned immigrants against relying on unverified social media information or “TikTok lawyers” when making life-changing immigration decisions.
Banwo disclosed that Banwo Law, accessible through SpeakWithOpe.com https://speakwithope.com, is already providing consultations to immigrants across the United States by reviewing immigration histories, assessing waiver eligibility, and developing legal strategies tailored to individual cases.
The experienced immigration law firm is also helping clients understand whether they may still qualify for Adjustment of Status inside the United States or whether alternative legal pathways may be available.
Banwo stressed that immigrants should seek experienced legal counsel before traveling outside the United States or taking any immigration steps that could jeopardise their ability to return or secure lawful permanent residency.
“Immigration law is changing rapidly,” he said. “This is not the time for guesswork. People need experienced legal guidance now more than ever.”
society
EWMCN Congratulates SK Sensation On Third-Term Re-Election As FUMAN National President ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV
EWMCN Congratulates SK Sensation On Third-Term Re-Election As FUMAN National President ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV
By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)
The President of the Elite Women Musician Club of Nigeria (EWMCN), Alhaja Queen Isimot Abake Abiola, popularly known as Omo-Opeki, has extended warm congratulations to Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Agboola, widely known as SK Sensation, following his successful re-election for a third term as the National President of the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN).
In a congratulatory statement issued on behalf of EWMCN, Omo-Opeki described the victory as well-deserved, noting that the continuous support SK Sensation enjoys from members of the association is a clear reflection of his impact, leadership style, and dedication to the advancement of Fuji music in Nigeria.
According to her, his re-election for another term represents not only a personal achievement, but also a sign of stability and continuity for the Fuji music community at a time when unity, structure, and strong leadership remain important within the entertainment industry.
She further commended SK Sensation for his efforts in promoting peace, cooperation, and development among Fuji musicians across different regions of the country, while also acknowledging his role in sustaining the relevance and visibility of FUMAN over the years.
Omo-Opeki stated that under his leadership, the association has continued to witness growth and stronger representation within the cultural and entertainment space, adding that many stakeholders in the industry recognize the consistency and commitment he has brought to the office.
“Leadership is earned through service, and this third-term victory clearly shows the confidence and trust members have in him,” she noted while praying for greater wisdom, strength, and success for the FUMAN President as he begins another tenure.
The EWMCN President also urged members of the association and the wider Fuji music community to remain united and supportive in order to ensure continued progress for the genre and its practitioners.
Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Agboola, popularly known as SK Sensation, remains one of the respected figures within the Fuji music industry and currently serves as the National President of FUMAN, the umbrella body representing Fuji musicians across Nigeria.
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- African Energy Chamber (AEC) to Position Africa as South America’s Next Strategic Energy Frontier at Association of Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Companies of Latin America and the Caribbean (ARPEL) Conference 2026 May 22, 2026
- Afreximbank Posts Robust Q1 2026 Results with 25% Growth in Net Income and Improved Profitability May 22, 2026
- Africa: Soil Mapping for Resilient Agrifood Systems (SoilFER) programme scales up soil fertility monitoring through Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy May 22, 2026
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) receives USD 4 million from the Regional Humanitarian Fund to save lives and protect the livelihoods of the most vulnerable households in Chad May 22, 2026
- Algeria: Mr. Attaf received by the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt May 22, 2026
- Seychelles: President Herminie Engages Tourism Office on La Digue on Visitor Safety and Infrastructure May 22, 2026
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