Senate Removes Danladi Umar as CCT Chairman

Senate Removes Danladi Umar as CCT Chairman

By Fly Cable News

The Senate has invoked Section 157(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, to remove Yakubu Danladi Umar as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) due to what it termed unacceptable acts of misconduct.

The decision to dismiss Umar followed his actions, which the Senate described as unbecoming for someone holding such a high office. His conduct was deemed to be grossly inappropriate and no longer tolerable for the position.

The resolution to remove Umar was supported by two-thirds of the Senate, with 74 members signing in favor, and 10 senators present, making a total of 84 votes.

The Senate entered a closed-door session at 1:17 p.m. to discuss the matter, which was listed as the first item on the agenda. After emerging from the session at 2:36 p.m., Senate Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), moved that the action be carried out in line with Section 157(1) of the Constitution. The motion for Umar’s removal was formally introduced by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) and titled: “Invocation of the provision of Section 157(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended for the removal of the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal.”

Bamidele explained that the CCT, a crucial federal institution, is responsible for maintaining high standards of morality in public office and ensuring that public officers adhere to accountability and integrity. However, the Senate highlighted that Umar’s conduct had failed to meet the standards expected of a public officer entrusted with such significant responsibilities.

The Senate also expressed concern over numerous petitions and allegations of corruption and misconduct against Umar. Despite invitations for him to appear before the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, he attended only one hearing and subsequently avoided further summons. Additionally, his reported absence from office for over a month without permission, along with ongoing investigations by the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS, were cited as further reasons for his removal. The Senate described these actions as negligence and gross misconduct, unbefitting of a CCT Chairman.

Finally, the Senate noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had forwarded the name of Mr. Abdullahi Usman Bello for confirmation as the new CCT Chairman. Bello’s appointment was confirmed on July 4, 2024, and Umar’s removal clears the way for the new Chairman to officially assume office.