ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Senate, in a historic move on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, invoked Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to formally remove Danladi Umar, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, from office.
The decision followed the unanimous adoption of a motion presented by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti), during plenary.
The motion, titled “Invocation of Provision of Section 157(1) of the Constitution for Removal of the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal,” outlined multiple allegations of gross misconduct and negligence against Umar. These included:
- Corruption and Misappropriation of Funds: Several petitions alleged financial irregularities during his tenure.
- Absenteeism: Umar was reported to have been absent from office for over a month without official permission.
- Non-Cooperation with Senate Investigations: He appeared only once before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, avoiding subsequent invitations.
- Public Misconduct: The Chairman was involved in a physical altercation with a security guard in Abuja, and an incident involving a woman at a plaza was described as “disgraceful” by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Additionally, ongoing investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) further compounded concerns about his suitability for the role.
Senator Bamidele, while presenting the motion, emphasised the critical role of the CCT in upholding moral and ethical standards among public officials.
He argued that Umar’s actions and conduct were inconsistent with the expectations of the position.
“The CCT exists to ensure public accountability and integrity,” Bamidele stated.
“These allegations against Danladi Umar undermine the tribunal’s mission and erode public confidence in the institution.”
A New Era at the CCT
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier nominated Mr. Abdullahi Usman Bello to replace Umar as the Chairman of the CCT, a nomination that was confirmed by the Senate on July 4, 2024.
However, procedural delays and Umar’s refusal to vacate office had stalled Bello’s official assumption of duties.
With Wednesday’s resolution, Bello is now expected to formally take over leadership of the tribunal.
Constitutional Process Followed
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano), confirmed that the resolution was endorsed by 84 senators, surpassing the constitutional requirement for a two-thirds majority.
Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno), assured that all legal protocols had been adhered to during the process.
Senate President Akpabio, in his remarks, criticised Umar’s behaviour, particularly the public altercation incidents, calling them “unbefitting of a public officer.”
He stressed that Umar had been given ample opportunities to defend himself but failed to do so.
“The Senate is resolute in ensuring that our institutions are accountable and uphold the rule of law,” Akpabio said.
He directed the Clerk of the Senate, Ben Akabueze, to communicate the resolution to President Tinubu for immediate action.
