The Senate has removed Danladi Umar, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), citing allegations of gross misconduct.
This marks the first time since 1999 that the legislative body has invoked constitutional provisions to sack the head of a federal agency.
Umar’s removal followed a closed-door session where over 84 senators backed the decision.
The process was initiated under Section 157(1) of the Constitution, which empowers the Senate to act against key public officials for misconduct or inability to perform their duties.
The Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, led the motion for Umar’s dismissal, citing various allegations against him.
These included corruption, absenteeism from office, and involvement in a public altercation with a security guard in Abuja.
Investigative hearings on these issues had been conducted by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, but Umar appeared only once and failed to attend subsequent sessions.
Additionally, Umar’s alleged negligence and failure to uphold the ethical standards expected of his role were factors in his removal.
The Senate expressed concerns about the damage his actions posed to the integrity of the tribunal, a key institution responsible for promoting accountability in governance.
With Umar’s removal, Abdullahi Usman Bello, whose nomination was confirmed in July, assumes the role of CCT Chairman.
The decision is expected to restore confidence in the tribunal’s operations and its commitment to justice.
