The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday removed Danladi Umar from his position as the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), citing gross misconduct in office. The decision, which marks the first time the Senate has invoked its constitutional power to remove a head of a statutory agency since 1999, has drawn reactions from legal experts and stakeholders.

The Senate’s action was taken pursuant to Section 157(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), which empowers the Senate to remove key public officials following due process. The motion leading to Umar’s removal was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who highlighted the pivotal role of the Code of Conduct Tribunal in maintaining high standards of morality and accountability in government.

Bamidele stated that Umar’s conduct had fallen short of the requisite standards for a public officer entrusted with such responsibilities. The Senate had previously summoned Umar to appear before its Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions during the 9th Assembly, but he failed to honour subsequent invitations after appearing once.

The Senate Leader also referenced Umar’s alleged absenteeism from office for more than a month without permission, coupled with allegations of corruption, misappropriation, and a physical altercation with a security officer in the Federal Capital Territory. These actions were deemed tantamount to acts of negligence and gross misconduct, unbecoming of a chairman of such a reputable tribunal.

Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), stated that the Senate’s decision could not be faulted if the constitutional provision for Umar’s removal was followed. Chief Adegboyega Awolomo (SAN), counsel for ex-Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, whom Umar controversially sacked in 2019, simply stated, “I leave him (Umar) to God and his conscience. May the Lord forgive him.”

The Senate’s decision underscores its commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public trust in critical government institutions. The removal of Umar also coincides with the recent confirmation of Abdullahi Usman Bello as the new Chairman of the CCT, following his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

As the nation grapples with the implications of this historic decision, the Senate’s action serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and integrity in public office, particularly in institutions tasked with upholding the highest standards of governance.

The sacking followed a closed-door session lasting over one and a half hours, during which more than 84 lawmakers supported the decision. The Senate resolved that invoking Section 157(1) of the Constitution was necessary to protect the Tribunal’s integrity and ensure its continued status as a symbol of corporate governance in Nigeria.

Umar, as the CCT Chairman, had spearheaded the controversial trial and conviction of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, for alleged false assets declaration. He ordered Onnoghen’s removal by President Muhammadu Buhari and the freezing of Onnoghen’s bank accounts. However, the Court of Appeal recently overturned the decision, ordering the return of Onnoghen’s frozen accounts and granting other reliefs contained in an out-of-court settlement between the ex-CJN and the Federal Government.

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