Nigerian-Canadian, Kelechi Madu, sworn in as Deputy Premier in Canada

The prominent Nigerian was sworn in as Deputy Premier on Monday after an initial turbulence over a phone call.

Madu was accused of interfering in a traffic offence committed by someone he knows by placing a call to the office involved.

He was then in the Ministry of Justice; he was asked to step aside while the investigation lasted but was, however, cleared of the offence of trying to pervert the cause of justice.

As a result of this, Madu was asked to move from the Ministry of Justice, where he was Minister, to the Ministry of Labour and Immigration.

The Premier of Alberta, Jason Kenney, who announced the decision, said despite being exonerated by a report from an investigation panel, it would be appropriate for Madu to step aside from the Ministry of Justice position.

Kenney said: “The report concludes that Minister Madu did not interfere in the administration of justice but that the phone call could create a reasonable perception of interference.

“It is clear from the report that his motivation in making the call was not to reverse the ticket but to raise broader concerns, particularly related to racial profiling.

“Nevertheless, as Ms. Kent concludes, ‘being angry, wanting assurances that he was not racially profiled are all understandable reactions, given the context of the phone call.

“It does not absolve the Minister from responsibility, but it is an explanation that deserves recognition.’

“Given her findings, and the unique role of the office of the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, I have concluded that it would be appropriate for Minister Madu to step aside from that position.”

Madu was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta on April 16, 2019 as the MLA for Edmonton-South West.

A loving husband and father of three, Madu was born and raised in the Southeastern part of Nigeria.

There, he attended the University of Lagos and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws Honours degree.

He was subsequently called to the Bar in Nigeria and in 2005, he and his wife migrated to Canada.

Madu has been a lawyer for 16 years, practicing in both Nigeria and Alberta.

In addition to running Tisel Law Office with his wife, Emem, he has worked for Legal Aid Alberta and volunteered with the Edmonton Community Legal Centre and the Lawyer Referral Programme of the Law Society of Alberta.

Madu also has extensive public service experience, having worked as a senior technical advisor for the Government of Alberta with a focus on legislative and regulatory reviews, operational and strategic public policies, issues management and stakeholder consultation.

In 2009, alongside a team he worked with in the public service, Madu was awarded the Premier’s Award of Excellence in the bronze medal category.

He continues to volunteer with Alberta’s Nigerian and Igbo communities.

Kelechi (Kaycee) Madu was sworn in as Deputy Premier on October 24, 2022 and as Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions (previously Labour and Immigration) on February 25, 2022.

He previously served as the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General and the Minister of Municipal Affairs.