By Patrick Idowu
The Senate has removed Danladi Umar, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), over allegations of gross misconduct.
The decision, made in accordance with Section 157(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), empowers the Senate to remove key public officials after due process.
The resolution followed a closed-door session lasting over an hour and a half. Upon resumption of plenary, the Senate announced that more than 84 lawmakers supported Umar’s removal.
The motion for Umar’s dismissal was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who emphasized the importance of the CCT in upholding high standards of morality and accountability within government.
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 the requisite standards expected from a public officer in such a role.”
He further explained, “The Senate has received numerous petitions and allegations of corruption and misconduct against the Chairman, prompting the 9th Senate to invite him for a series of investigative hearings. However, he attended only one hearing and subsequently ignored all further invitations.”
Bamidele also highlighted concerns about Umar’s alleged absenteeism from office for over a month without permission, as well as accusations of corruption, misappropriation, and a physical altercation with a security officer in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He noted that Umar is currently under investigation by the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS, calling these actions acts of negligence and gross misconduct, unbefitting of a Tribunal Chairman.
The Senate had previously summoned Umar to appear before its Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions during the 9th Assembly, but he failed to honor multiple invitations after his initial appearance.
Additionally, Bamidele referenced the recent confirmation of Abdullahi Usman Bello as the new CCT Chairman. Bello’s nomination was forwarded to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu and confirmed during plenary on July 4, 2024.
Section 157(1) of the Constitution states that “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’s decision to invoke this provision was deemed necessary to preserve the integrity of the Tribunal and ensure it continues to represent good governance in Nigeria.
This marks the first time since 1999 that the Senate has invoked this constitutional provision to remove the head of a federal agency.
The move reflects the commitment of the 10th Senate to uphold the rule of law and maintain public trust in Nigeria’s critical government institutions.
