The Senate has passed a resolution urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, over allegations of misconduct, corruption, and negligence. The resolution, supported by a two-thirds majority of senators, invoked Section 157 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which allows for the removal of public officers for misconduct or inability to discharge their duties.

The motion, 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”, was sponsored by Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (APC – Ekiti Central).

After a one-hour executive session, the Senate resolved to forward its decision to President Tinubu for approval, paving the way for Abdullahi Usman Bello, already confirmed by the Senate in July 2024, to officially assume office as the new substantive CCT Chairman.

Senator Bamidele highlighted several allegations against Umar, including:

• Corruption and misappropriation, currently under investigation by the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS.

• Absenteeism from office for over a month without permission.

• Avoiding Senate Committee hearings related to petitions of misconduct.

• Involvement in a public altercation with a security officer in Abuja.

The Senate emphasized the critical role of the CCT in maintaining high standards of morality and accountability in government. It noted that Umar’s alleged actions had tarnished the tribunal’s reputation and undermined its integrity.

The Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, confirmed that 72 senators signed the register at plen