CSJET Defends Junaidu's Appointment to Investment and Securities Tribunal
The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CSJET) has strongly defended the appointment of Barrister Aminu Junaidu as Chairman of the Investment and Securities Tribunal (IST). The organization insists that the process complied with due procedure and was firmly grounded in the constitutional authority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dismissal of Criticisms and Legal Debates
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the Centre's Executive Director, Pastor David D. Yakubu, dismissed criticisms suggesting that the appointment breached provisions of the Investment and Securities Act 2025. He described such claims as baseless and unsupported by credible evidence. Yakubu argued that beyond legal debates, the performance of the Tribunal under Junaidu's leadership should be the primary consideration.
Significant Improvements Under Junaidu's Leadership
According to Yakubu, since assuming office following a formal handover on October 26, 2025, the IST has recorded significant improvements in administrative efficiency, staff morale, and inclusiveness. He noted that the Tribunal has also achieved better case management and faster adjudication timelines. These developments are critical in strengthening investor confidence in Nigeria's capital market, where predictability and speed are essential.
International Recognition and Engagements
The organization further highlighted what it described as growing international recognition of the Tribunal's reforms. It cited a visit by Ethiopia's Ambassador to Nigeria on March 13, 2026, who engaged with IST officials to understudy its processes and described the interaction as productive. This engagement was followed by another visit on March 27, 2026, by a delegation from Ethiopia's capital market institutions, which reportedly expressed satisfaction with the Tribunal's evolving systems and operational improvements.
"Such engagements are not routine. They reflect confidence in the Tribunal's direction and demonstrate that its reforms are gaining attention beyond Nigeria's borders," Yakubu said.
Constitutional and Administrative Justifications
On the legal controversy surrounding the appointment, the Centre maintained that President Tinubu acted within his constitutional powers, while the role played by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation followed established administrative procedures applicable to appointments of heads of government agencies. "Governance is dynamic. Administrative decisions evolve in response to institutional needs and national priorities. To interpret this flexibility as illegality is to misunderstand executive responsibility," the statement read.
Qualification and Expertise of Barrister Junaidu
The group also addressed concerns regarding qualification, stating that Barrister Junaidu's experience as a former Attorney-General of Zamfara State, alongside his background in governance and legal advisory, equips him with the expertise required to lead the Tribunal. This is particularly important given its critical role at the intersection of law and economic regulation.
Caution Against Undermining Confidence
While acknowledging the importance of public scrutiny in a democratic setting, the Centre cautioned against narratives that could undermine confidence in Nigeria's capital market. "Public accountability must be anchored on facts and exercised with restraint. Narratives that amplify uncertainty without sufficient basis risk weakening the institutions they seek to protect," Yakubu warned.
Call for Stability and Measurable Outcomes
The organization urged stakeholders to prioritize stability and assess leadership based on measurable outcomes, rather than speculation. It emphasized that sustainable institutional growth depends both on sound decisions and responsible public interpretation. It concluded that Barrister Junaidu's appointment followed due process and that early performance indicators point to a more efficient and responsive Investment and Securities Tribunal, reinforcing its role in Nigeria's financial system.
