By VICTOR NWACHUKWU

The Mbaise Policy Roundtable (MPR), a non-governmental organisation, has lauded the Government of Alberta Province, Canada for reinstating former Minister of Justice, Mr Kaycee Madu, to its cabinet.

The commendation is contained in a statement issued by the group’s Chairman, Prof. Eddie Oparaoji, and made available to newsmen in Owerri on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Madu, a Nigeria-born lawyer (Ahiazu Mbaise in Imo), was suspended from office in January for allegedly interferring with the administration of justice.

The allegation stemmed from a phone call reportedly made by Madu to the Edmonton Police Chief, Dale McFee, to discuss a $300 distracted driving fine/ticket he had received on March 10, 2021.

Oparaoji thanked the Albertan authorities, led by Premier Jason Kenney, over the outcome of the investigation that exonerated Madu and for returning him to cabinet as Minister of Labour and Immigration.

“When the allegation first became public and Madu was suspended, the MPR expressed confidence that he would be acquitted, if given a fair hearing.

“Today, he has been absolved so we commend the Alberta authorities for acquitting him and sustaining the confidence in the administration of justice,” Oparaoji stated.

In the result of the investigation, Kenney was quoted to have said that “Minister Madu did not interfere in the administration of justice, but that the phone call could create a reasonable perception of interference”.

He further stated that the investigation found that Madu’s motivation “was not to reverse the ticket, but raise broader concerns, particularly related to racial profiling.

“I also look forward to Minister Madu’s continued contribution to important work of government as Minister of Labour and Immigration.

“He will lead important reforms to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Programme and continued implementation of the Fairness for Newcomers Action Plan to help break down barriers to the economic success of immigrants.

“He will help to deliver on the Alberta Work Initiative, a key part of Budget 2022 plan to connect unemployed Albertans with available jobs through expanded training programmes,” Kenney had reportedly said. (NAN)

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