Nigerian-Born Canadian Minister, Kaycee Madu Cleared Of Traffic Violation, Redeployed

A Nigerian-born Minister of Justice and Solicitor-General of Alberta, Kelechi ‘Kaycee’ Madu has been cleared of traffic violations and redeployed to another ministerial position.

Madu, who was appointed minister in August 2020, was pulled over on March 10, 2021, and fined $300 for flouting the country’s traffic and safety regulations.

The Canadian-Nigerian, who is the first Black person to serve as a minister of justice in Canada, was booked by a traffic officer for using a phone while driving.

Madu said he was pulled over by an Edmonton police officer, who alleged he was driving while on his phone, but he disagreed with the offence, saying his phone was in his pocket.

In January 2022, Madu was asked to step aside from his ministerial position pending the outcome of an investigation which was launched after he reportedly called the police chief over a traffic offence ticket.

Kelechi Madu Exonerated, Redeployed

In a statement on Friday, February 25, the Premier of Alberta, Jason Kenney announced that Madu was been cleared of misconduct and transferred to the ministry of labour and immigration, where he will lead “important reforms to the Alberta advantage immigration programme”.

The statement reads, “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.”

“I also look forward to Minister Madu’s continued contribution to important work of government as Minister of Labour and Immigration, where 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’s plan to connect unemployed Albertans with available jobs through expanded training programmes.”

KanyiDaily reported that on April 30, 2021, Kelechi Madu became the first Nigerian immigrant to be elected as a Member of Parliament in Alberta, Canada, as Minister for Municipal Affairs for the North American country.