Senate removes CCT Chairman Danladi Umar over alleged misconduct
The Senate has removed Danladi Umar, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, over allegations of gross misconduct.
This decision was made in accordance with Section 157(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), which grants the Senate the authority to remove key public officials through due process.
The removal came after a closed-door session that lasted more than an hour and a half. When the Senate resumed plenary, it was announced that over 84 lawmakers had supported the decision.
The motion for Umar’s removal was sponsored by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who emphasized the crucial role of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in ensuring high standards of morality and accountability in government.
Bamidele stated, “The Code of Conduct Tribunal, as a statutory body, is expected to uphold the values of integrity, probity, and accountability. However, the conduct of Mr. Yakubu Danladi Umar has fallen short of the standards required for a public officer entrusted with such responsibilities.”
He further noted that a statutory institution of such importance is expected to exemplify moral rectitude and should consistently uphold the values of integrity, probity, and accountability.
“However, the conduct of Mr. Yakubu Danladi Umar, Chairman of the Tribunal, has fallen short of the standards expected of a public officer entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing such an institution.”
He added, “The Senate has been overwhelmed with numerous petitions and allegations of corruption and misconduct against the Chairman. This prompted the 9th Senate, through the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, to invite him to several investigative hearings to address the circumstances surrounding these allegations.”
“However, he appeared before the Committee only once and subsequently avoided subsequent invitations,” the Senate Leader added.
He also expressed concern over Umar’s alleged absenteeism from office for more than a month without permission, along with his refusal to step down from his position. Furthermore, the Senate Leader highlighted the numerous allegations of corruption, misappropriation, and an incident involving a physical altercation with a security guard in the FCT. These, coupled with ongoing investigations by the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS, were deemed acts of negligence and gross misconduct, unbecoming of the Chairman of such a reputable Tribunal.
The Senate had previously summoned Umar to appear before its Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions during the 9th Assembly. While he attended one session, he failed to honor subsequent invitations.
Additionally, the Senate Leader referenced the recent confirmation of Abdullahi Usman Bello as the new Chairman of the CCT.
President Bola Tinubu forwarded the nomination of Bello to the Senate, which confirmed it during a plenary session 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 determined that invoking this provision was essential to safeguard the integrity of the Tribunal and ensure it remains a symbol of good governance in Nigeria.
This decision highlights the 10th Senate’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public trust in key government institutions.
Although this power is enshrined in the Constitution, it marks the first time since 1999 that the Senate has used this provision to remove the head of an agency from office.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at NeptunePrime.
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