In a landmark decision, the Nigerian Senate has removed Danladi Umar, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), following a two-thirds majority vote.
The motion, sponsored by Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, cited serious allegations of corruption, misconduct, and absenteeism as the basis for Umar’s dismissal.
Bamidele, while presenting the motion, invoked Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, arguing that the Senate had received numerous petitions against Umar.
He disclosed that the 9th Senate had conducted investigative hearings through its Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.
“Among other disturbing issues, the chairman was found to have absented himself from office for over one month without permission or recusal. Such conduct is unbecoming of someone occupying a critical position,” Bamidele said.
The motion gained traction following President Bola Tinubu's decision to nominate Abdullahi Usman Bello as Umar’s replacement, signaling a lack of confidence in the embattled CCT chairman.
During the Senate debate, 74 lawmakers voted in favor of Umar’s removal, while 10 opposed the motion. Senate President Godswill Akpabio ruled in favor of the motion and instructed the Clerk to the Senate to formally communicate the resolution to the presidency.
The decision has sparked nationwide debate, with some applauding the Senate for taking a stand against corruption, while others question the political undertones of the move.
Umar’s removal marks a significant development in the fight against corruption, highlighting the importance of accountability for public office holders.
As Abdullahi Usman Bello prepares to assume the role, expectations are high for a revitalized and transparent Code of Conduct Tribunal.