The Nigerian Senate has removed Danladi Umar from his position as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). The decision was reached during a closed-door session where over 84 senators supported his dismissal.
Citing Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution, the Senate justified the move, stating that the provision allows for the removal of heads of statutory bodies found guilty of gross misconduct. The process was initiated after a motion presented by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, titled “Invocation of the Provision of Section 157 (1) of the Constitution for the Removal of the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal.”
Reasons for Umar’s Removal
According to Senator Bamidele, Umar’s behavior and actions were deemed inappropriate for the high standards expected of a public officer. Key allegations against him included:
- Corruption and Misconduct: Numerous petitions and complaints had been filed against him.
- Ignoring Senate Summons: Despite multiple invitations, Umar appeared only once for investigations by the Senate’s Ethics and Public Petitions Committee.
- Absenteeism: He was accused of being absent from office for over a month without official permission.
- Improper Conduct: Incidents such as a public altercation with a security officer and ongoing investigations by the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS further tarnished his reputation.
Transition of Leadership
In light of these allegations, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated Abdullahi Usman Bello as the new CCT Chairman. The Senate confirmed Bello’s appointment during its plenary session on July 4, 2024. This decision solidified the need for Umar to officially step down to allow the newly appointed chairman to assume office.
Senate’s Position
The Senate emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in federal institutions like the CCT, which plays a crucial role in upholding public morality and accountability in governance. In Bamidele’s words:
“A body tasked with such critical responsibilities must embody moral rectitude and accountability. Unfortunately, the conduct of the former Chairman fell short of these standards.”
The Senate’s action marks a significant step in ensuring that public institutions maintain the highest levels of professionalism and ethical conduct.
