House Of Representatives Removes Danladi Umar As CCT Chairman.
The House of Representatives has removed Danladi Umar from his position as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), invoking constitutional provisions despite lacking the required two-thirds majority.
During Tuesday’s plenary session, lawmakers relied on Paragraph 17(3), Part 1, Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 22(3) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. This stipulates that the removal of the CCT Chairman requires a two-thirds majority vote from both legislative chambers. With the House comprising 360 members, the required threshold stands at 240; however, fewer than 150 lawmakers were present when the motion was moved.
Grounds for Removal
Julius Ihonvbere, the House Majority Leader, spearheaded the motion, citing Umar’s misconduct and inability to uphold the standards of his office. Ihonvbere referenced a 2021 incident in which Umar was involved in a physical altercation with a security guard at Banex Plaza, Abuja. Although Umar initially appeared before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions to address the allegations, he later refused to cooperate, hampering further investigations.
“This action is necessary to protect the integrity of the Code of Conduct Tribunal,” Ihonvbere stated while advocating for Umar’s removal.
Legal Concerns Raised
Mansur Soro, a lawmaker from Bauchi State, questioned the constitutionality of the House’s decision, arguing that President Bola Tinubu should have initiated the removal process. In response, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas clarified that the President had already communicated with the legislature on the matter, legitimising the House’s action.
Senate’s Agreement
The Senate has also passed a similar motion supporting Umar’s removal. The process appears to solidify the legislative stance on ensuring accountability within the CCT.
Background
Danladi Umar, appointed as CCT Chairman in 2011, has faced multiple controversies, including corruption allegations. In July, President Tinubu appointed Mainasra Kogo as the new CCT Chairman, but Kogo has yet to assume office.
The removal of Umar is seen as a decisive step towards restoring public confidence in the tribunal and reinforcing standards of conduct for public officers.
