In a decisive move, the Nigerian Senate has officially removed Danladi Umar as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). The action followed a two-thirds majority vote, with 74 senators in favor and 10 opposing the motion.
The motion was spearheaded by Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, who invoked Section 157(1) of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended) to support the resolution. In presenting his case, Bamidele cited multiple allegations of corruption and misconduct against Umar, which had been the subject of several petitions and investigations by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.
"Serious allegations and misconduct, including absenteeism from office for over a month without authorization, have tarnished the credibility of the CCT. This dereliction of duty warranted the President's recommendation for Umar's removal," Bamidele stated during the session.
Following deliberations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for a vote, which resulted in the resolution to remove Umar from office. Akpabio directed the Clerk of the Senate to formally notify the presidency of the decision, in compliance with constitutional provisions.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier submitted the name of Mr. Abdullahi Usman Bello as a potential replacement, signaling the executive’s alignment with the Senate's concerns over Umar's conduct.
This development marks a significant shift in Nigeria's judicial oversight framework, with lawmakers emphasizing accountability at the highest levels of governance.
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