Senate Ousts Danladi Umar as CCT Chairman Over Corruption Allegations, Absenteeism

Danladi Umar has been officially removed from his position as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) by the Nigerian Senate, following a decisive vote on November 20, 2024. Seventy-four senators backed the motion for his removal, while ten opposed it, surpassing the two-thirds majority required by the constitution.

Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele spearheaded the motion citing Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which allows for the removal of tribunal heads for gross misconduct. He emphasized the need for Umar’s dismissal based on multiple petitions alleging corruption, misconduct, and extended absenteeism without formal permission.

Bamidele presented reports of Umar’s repeated absence from office for over a month and his refusal to recuse himself from his position despite mounting allegations. The lawmaker described the situation as untenable, noting that it had tarnished the tribunal’s credibility and led to President Bola Tinubu nominating Abdullahi Usman Bello as Umar’s replacement.

During a heated debate, senators highlighted Umar’s alleged misconduct, which included failing to appear at investigative hearings initiated by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions during the 9th Senate. Lawmakers expressed concern over the tribunal’s ability to maintain public trust under Umar’s leadership.

Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, who presided over the session, called for a vote after the deliberations. With an overwhelming majority voting for his removal, Akpabio directed the Clerk to the Senate to officially communicate the resolution to the Presidency for immediate action.

Umar’s removal marks a significant development in Nigeria’s judicial landscape. His tenure has been fraught with controversies, including allegations of corruption and ethical breaches. The decision aligns with President Tinubu’s stated commitment to upholding transparency and accountability within government institutions.

The Code of Conduct Tribunal, which adjudicates cases involving public officials accused of violating ethics laws, now awaits leadership under Bello, who is expected to restore confidence and integrity to the tribunal.

Summary for Social Media:

“Breaking: Nigerian Senate removes CCT Chairman Danladi Umar over corruption allegations and absenteeism. 74 senators vote in favor of his dismissal. New era for accountability? #NigeriaPolitics #CorruptionFight”
Senate Ousts Danladi Umar as CCT Chairman Over Corruption Allegations, Absenteeism

Danladi Umar has been officially removed from his position as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) by the Nigerian Senate, following a decisive vote on November 20, 2024. Seventy-four senators backed the motion for his removal, while ten opposed it, surpassing the two-thirds majority required by the constitution.

Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele spearheaded the motion citing Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which allows for the removal of tribunal heads for gross misconduct. He emphasized the need for Umar’s dismissal based on multiple petitions alleging corruption, misconduct, and extended absenteeism without formal permission.

Bamidele presented reports of Umar’s repeated absence from office for over a month and his refusal to recuse himself from his position despite mounting allegations. The lawmaker described the situation as untenable, noting that it had tarnished the tribunal’s credibility and led to President Bola Tinubu nominating Abdullahi Usman Bello as Umar’s replacement.

During a heated debate, senators highlighted Umar’s alleged misconduct, which included failing to appear at investigative hearings initiated by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions during the 9th Senate. Lawmakers expressed concern over the tribunal’s ability to maintain public trust under Umar’s leadership.

Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, who presided over the session, called for a vote after the deliberations. With an overwhelming majority voting for his removal, Akpabio directed the Clerk to the Senate to officially communicate the resolution to the Presidency for immediate action.

Umar’s removal marks a significant development in Nigeria’s judicial landscape. His tenure has been fraught with controversies, including allegations of corruption and ethical breaches. The decision aligns with President Tinubu’s stated commitment to upholding transparency and accountability within government institutions.

The Code of Conduct Tribunal, which adjudicates cases involving public officials accused of violating ethics laws, now awaits leadership under Bello, who is expected to restore confidence and integrity to the tribunal.