Editor
THE Senate has removed Danladi Umar, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), over alleged gross misconduct. The decision was made under Section 157(1) of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended), which empowers the Senate to remove key public officials after due process.
The removal followed a closed-door session in Abuja on Wednesday, lasting over 90 minutes. Upon resuming plenary, the Senate announced that more than 84 lawmakers had supported the motion.
The motion was sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who emphasized the CCT’s critical role in promoting high standards of morality and accountability in governance.
Bamidele stated: “The Code of Conduct Tribunal, as a statutory institution, is expected to uphold virtues of integrity, probity, and accountability. However, the conduct of Mr. Yakubu Danladi Umar has fallen short of these requisite standards for a public officer entrusted with such responsibilities.”
He further noted that the Senate had received numerous petitions and allegations of corruption and misconduct against Umar, prompting the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions to invite him for investigations during the 9th Assembly. Umar reportedly attended only one session and avoided subsequent invitations.
The Senate Leader outlined several allegations against Umar, including: “Absenteeism from office for over a month without authorization.
“Multiple allegations of corruption, misappropriation, and misconduct.
“A public altercation with a security officer in Abuja, ongoing investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and Department of State Services (DSS).”
Bamidele concluded that Umar’s actions amounted to gross misconduct and negligence, making his removal necessary to safeguard the Tribunal’s integrity.
The Senate also referenced the recent confirmation of Abdullahi Usman Bello as the new CCT Chairman. Bello’s nomination, submitted by President Bola Tinubu, was confirmed during plenary on July 4, 2024.
Basie Section 57(1) of the Constitution provides: “The President may remove the Chairman or any member of the Code of Conduct Bureau, acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate, for inability to discharge the functions of the office or for misconduct.”
The Senate invoked this provision for the first time since 1999 to remove the head of a government agency, highlighting its commitment to upholding the rule of law and restoring public trust in critical institutions.
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The Senate’s decision underscores its determination to protect the credibility of the Code of Conduct Tribunal and reinforce public confide
nce in the nation’s governance structures.
