The Nigerian Senate, on Wednesday, activated Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to remove the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, from office.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored 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 CCT” was unanimously supported by the Senate.
Senator Bamidele, while presenting the motion, emphasized the sacred role of the CCT in maintaining high moral standards in government business and ensuring public officials adhere to principles of accountability and integrity.
He argued that the conduct of Danladi Umar fell short of these expectations.
Key allegations against the embattled Chairman according to the Senate leader included Corruption and Misconduct with Multiple petitions alleging corruption and misappropriation of funds.
Bamidele explained that there were Reports of Mr. Umar being absent from office for over a month without official permission.
He was also accused of refusal to Cooperate with Senate Investigations.
“Umar only appeared once before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions and avoided subsequent invitations.
He was also accused of engaging a physical altercation with a security guard in the Federal Capital Territory, an incident described as unbecoming of a public servant.
The Senate Leader noted that these actions, coupled with ongoing investigations by the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS, constituted gross misconduct and negligence.
Senator Bamidele recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had forwarded the name of Mr. Abdullahi Usman Bello to the Senate as the new CCT Chairman.
Bello’s appointment was confirmed on July 4, 2024.
The Senate’s resolution to remove Umar was aimed at allowing Bello to assume his role without further delay.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano), disclosed that 84 senators endorsed the resolution to remove Umar, fulfilling the constitutional requirement for a two-thirds majority.
Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno), confirmed that all necessary legal processes were adhered to.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, emphasized that Danladi Umar was given ample opportunities to defend himself but failed to do so. Akpabio also criticized Umar’s public altercation with a woman at a plaza, describing it as a disgraceful act for a public officer.
Akpabio directed the Clerk of the Senate, Mr. Ben Akabueze, to communicate the Senate’s resolution to President Bola Tinubu for immediate action.
With the resolution, Mr. Abdullahi Usman Bello is expected to officially assume duties as the new Chairman of the CCT.
The Senate’s decision underscores its commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring institutional accountability, and maintaining the integrity of federal institutions in Nigeria.