By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Plateau Democratic Movement (PDM) has petitioned the Senate to investigate the reported removal of Amos Azi as Chairman of the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST), despite his alleged reappointment by President Bola Tinubu.
The group said the circumstances surrounding Azi’s reported displacement and the emergence of Aminu Junaidu as tribunal chairman raised questions about compliance with the law.
In a petition addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, PDM Chairman Ishaya Turba and Secretary Iliya Mangai urged the Senate to constitute a committee to investigate the matter.
The petition was made available to journalists on Friday in Lokoja, Kogi State.
PDM alleged that Tinubu reappointed Azi in August 2025, but Junaidu reportedly took over the position on October 2, 2025.
According to the group, Junaidu allegedly claimed that his appointment was made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
PDM said the circumstances surrounding the appointment required investigation, particularly following the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission’s (ICPC) revelations concerning alleged fictitious agencies operating under the SGF’s office.
“As a concerned group, we are moved to write this petition following ICPC’s recent uncovering of fictitious agencies operating under the office of the SGF,” the petition stated.
The group urged the Senate to determine how Junaidu assumed control of the tribunal and whether the process complied with the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025.
It warned that any irregularity in the tribunal’s leadership could undermine public confidence, the rule of law and the integrity of Nigeria’s capital market.
The IST is responsible for resolving disputes within the capital market, making its leadership important to investors and market operators.
The petition follows a similar move by the Make A Difference Initiative (MADI), which petitioned the Senate on April 8 over an alleged breach of the ISA 2025 by SGF, Senator George Akume.
MADI had questioned the reported appointment of Junaidu, arguing that it came weeks after Tinubu approved Azi’s reappointment as chairman and chief executive officer of the tribunal.
PDM urged the Senate to investigate the circumstances surrounding Azi’s reported removal and take appropriate action if any breach of the law is established.
The group said resolving the matter would help protect investors’ interests and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s capital-market regulatory framework.