NBA Supports Senate’s Removal Of CCT Chair Over Misconduct
The Senate has officially removed Danladi Umar as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), citing gross misconduct in office. The decision, announced on Wednesday, followed due process as outlined in Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Chief Adegboyega Awolomo (SAN), counsel to former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, supported the Senate’s move.
NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) stated that the Senate acted within its constitutional powers, emphasising that due process was key.
“The Constitution provides that the CCT Chairman can be removed by two-thirds of the Senate. If this procedure has been followed, and the President assents, then the removal is legitimate,” Osigwe stated.
He added that the Senate’s decision implies they had sufficient evidence, likely reviewed during their closed session, to recommend Umar’s removal.
Chief Awolomo, counsel to Justice Onnoghen—who was controversially removed in 2019 under Umar’s chairmanship—responded tersely: “I leave him to God and his conscience. May the Lord forgive him.”
The motion for Umar’s removal was sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who highlighted the importance of integrity, probity, and accountability in public office.
“The Senate has been inundated with petitions and allegations of corruption and misconduct against Umar,” Bamidele said. He further noted that Umar had repeatedly ignored Senate Committee summons and was frequently absent from duty without proper authorization.
The Senate Leader also cited allegations of financial mismanagement, a public altercation with a security guard, and ongoing investigations by the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS as grounds for the dismissal.
“This decision is necessary to protect the Tribunal’s integrity and ensure it remains a symbol of corporate governance,” Bamidele added.
Following Umar’s removal, the Senate confirmed Abdullahi Usman Bello as the new CCT Chairman, a nomination previously forwarded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and approved in July 2024.
Umar, as CCT Chair, was central to the controversial trial and removal of ex-CJN Walter Onnoghen for alleged false asset declarations in 2019. The Court of Appeal later overturned the decision, leading to the restoration of Onnoghen’s frozen accounts through an out-of-court settlement with the Federal Government.
This marks the first time since 1999 that the Senate has invoked constitutional provisions to remove the head of a statutory agency, underscoring its commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining accountability in public service.
