Centre for Social Justice Clears Air on IST Chairman Aminu Junaidu's Appointment
The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency has publicly defended the appointment of Barrister Aminu Junaidu as Chairman of the Investment and Securities Tribunal (IST), emphasizing that the process followed due procedure and was constitutionally backed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This statement was made during a world press conference held in Abuja on Friday, April 10, 2026, addressing recent criticisms and clarifying the legal and administrative aspects of the appointment.
Defense of Appointment Procedure
Pastor David D. Yakubu, the Executive Director of the Centre, asserted that Barrister Junaidu's appointment did not violate the Investment and Securities Act 2025. He explained that the appointment was properly approved by President Tinubu within his constitutional powers, dismissing claims that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation acted outside legal bounds. Yakubu described the process as a standard administrative procedure for heads of agencies, noting that governance evolves in response to institutional needs and national priorities.
Positive Impact Under Junaidu's Leadership
Since assuming office after a formal handover on October 26, 2025, Barrister Junaidu has implemented significant reforms at the Tribunal. According to the Centre, these reforms have led to noticeable improvements in administrative efficiency, staff morale, and inclusiveness. Yakubu highlighted that the Tribunal has seen enhanced case flow and speed of adjudication, which directly boosts investor confidence in Nigeria's capital market. The Centre also pointed to growing international recognition of the Tribunal's reforms under Junaidu's leadership.
Warning Against Unfounded Criticisms
The Centre warned that narratives capable of undermining confidence in Nigeria's capital market must be approached with caution. Yakubu stated that while public scrutiny is essential in a democracy, it should be grounded in facts and exercised with a sense of proportion. He emphasized that interventions that amplify uncertainty without sufficient basis risk weakening the very institutions they seek to protect, urging stakeholders to avoid unfounded criticisms that could destabilize the market.
Junaidu's Qualifications and Experience
Barrister Aminu Junaidu, a former Attorney-General of Zamfara State, brings extensive experience in governance, legal advisory, and institutional management to his role as IST Chairman. The Centre described his qualifications as highly relevant to leading the Tribunal at the intersection of law and economic regulation, reinforcing the appropriateness of his appointment for advancing Nigeria's financial sector stability.
Context of Other Presidential Appointments
This defense comes amid a series of appointments by President Tinubu, including Dalhatu Abubakar as chairman of the Nigeria Commodity Exchange and Professor Shu'aibu Aliyu as the new executive secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF). These appointments, which focus on enhancing market transparency, accountability, and energy sector advancement, underscore the administration's commitment to national priorities and institutional strengthening across various sectors.
