The Senate has removed the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, citing gross misconduct and dereliction of duty.
This decision was made according to Section 157(1) of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended), followed by a closed-door session lasting over 90 minutes.
The motion for Umar’s removal, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, received overwhelming support from over 84 lawmakers.
In his presentation, Senator Bamidele emphasized the critical role of the CCT in upholding integrity, probity, and accountability in governance, lamenting that Umar’s conduct had fallen far short of these standards.
“The Code of Conduct Tribunal, as a statutory institution, is expected to uphold virtues of integrity, probity, and accountability. However, the conduct of Mr. Danladi Umar has fallen short of these requisite standards for a public officer entrusted with such responsibilities,” Bamidele stated.
The Senate’s decision was driven by numerous allegations against Umar, including absenteeism, misconduct, corruption, and involvement in a physical altercation in Abuja.
Despite multiple invitations to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions during the 9th Assembly, Umar attended only once and subsequently ignored further summons.
Senator Bamidele further highlighted that Umar is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS), stressing that his actions were “unbecoming of a chairman of such a reputable Tribunal.”
The Senate also noted the recent confirmation of Abdullahi Usman Bello as the new CCT Chairman, a nomination put forward by President Bola Tinubu and ratified during the July 4 plenary session.
Section 157(1) of the Constitution allows the Senate to remove the CCT Chairman or members for misconduct or inability to perform their duties, with the support of a two-thirds majority.
This marks the first time since 1999 that the Senate has invoked this constitutional provision to remove the head of an agency.
The Senate described the move as a necessary step to preserve the integrity of the CCT and reaffirm its commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public trust in Nigeria’s institutions.
