Senate sacks CCT chairman following petitions of corruption and misconduct against him. President Bola Tinubu has appointed a replacement.
The Nigerian Senate has removed Yakubu Danladi Umar as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). The decision was based on the provisions of Section 157 (1) of Nigeria’s Constitution. The lawmakers accused of corruption and misconduct. The Senate described Umar’s actions as “unacceptable” and “unbecoming” for someone holding such a high office.
The lawmakers stated that Umar’s conduct was no longer acceptable for his position. The Senate saw his actions as a violation of the expected moral standards for public officials. “His level of gross misconduct no longer acceptable,” the Senate said. This led to his removal after two-thirds of the Senators signed in favor. A total of 74 members signed, and 10 senators were present.
The motion to remove Umar was first discussed in a closed-door session. The session started at 1:17 pm and ended at 2:36 pm. Senate Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, APC, Borno North, moved the motion. The Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Central, supported the motion. It was 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.”
Senate sacks CCT chairman based on allegations of misconduct
Senator Bamidele highlighted several allegations against Umar. “The Senate has been inundated with series of petitions and allegations of corruption/misconduct against the Chairman,” he said. Umar had attended only one session of all the hearings he was invited to. He then avoided subsequent invitations.
The Senate was also concerned about Umar’s long absenteeism from office, lasting over a month without permission. Other allegations included corruption, misappropriation, and a physical altercation with a security guard in Abuja. The lawmaker deemed the actions “tantamount to acts of negligence and gross misconduct.” Furthermore, Umar was under investigation by the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS.
On July 4, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated Abdullahi Usman Bello as the new Chairman of the CCT. The Senate confirmed his appointment. Therefore, the removal of Umar was necessary for the new Chairman to officially take office. The Senate concluded that the former Chairman must vacate his position to allow the new Chairman to assume his duties.
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