The Senate has invoked the provisions of Section 157 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) for the removal of Chairman of Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Mr. Danladi Umar.
The section states: (1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (3) of this section, a person holding any of the offices to which this section applies may only be removed from that office by the President acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate praying that he be so removed for inability to discharge the functions of the office (whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause) or for misconduct.
The section applies to the offices of the Chairman and members of the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Federal Civil Service Commission, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Judicial Council, the Federal Judicial Service Commission, the Federal Character Commission, the Nigeria Police Council, the National Population Commission, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission and the Police Service Commission.
The Senate took the historical decision following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Sen. Bamidele Opeyemi (APC- Ekiti) leader of the Senate.
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 criticised 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.
● Additional report by National Update.
