Senate Removes CCT Chairman Danladi Umar Over Alleged Gross Misconduct

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria  

The Senate has removed the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, citing allegations of gross misconduct and dereliction of duty.

The decision, reached during a closed-door session on Tuesday, marked a historic invocation of Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, empowering the Senate to remove key public officials following due process.

After deliberations lasting over an hour and a half, the Senate announced that more than 84 lawmakers supported the motion to sack Umar.

The motion, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, emphasised the pivotal role of the CCT in upholding morality, integrity, and accountability in governance. Bamidele stated, “The conduct of Mr. Danladi Umar has fallen short of the requisite standards expected of a public officer entrusted with such significant responsibilities.

“The Tribunal, as a statutory institution, must epitomise integrity, probity, and accountability. Allegations of corruption, absenteeism, and misconduct against Mr. Umar tarnish the image of the institution and undermine public trust.”

The Senate’s decision follows a series of petitions alleging misconduct against Umar. According to Bamidele, Umar failed to honor multiple invitations by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions during investigations into these allegations.

The Senate Leader detailed instances of alleged absenteeism exceeding one month without authorization, corruption claims, and a public altercation with a security guard in Abuja.

These incidents have also drawn the attention of anti-graft agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS).

“Such actions constitute negligence and gross misconduct unbecoming of a Chairman of a reputable Tribunal,” Bamidele added.

The removal coincides with the Senate’s recent confirmation of Abdullahi Usman Bello as the new Chairman of the CCT. Bello, nominated by President Bola Tinubu, was confirmed during a plenary session on July 4, 2024.

This marks the first time since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999 that the Senate has invoked constitutional provisions to remove the head of an agency. The resolution underscores the Senate’s commitment to preserving the integrity of public institutions and ensuring accountability at the highest levels of governance.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the move as a necessary step to restore public confidence in the CCT. “This action reflects our resolve to uphold the rule of law and maintain the integrity of critical government institutions,” Akpabio stated.