The Nigerian Senate has removed Yakubu Umar as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) under Section 157 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). His dismissal, formalized on Wednesday, comes amid allegations of gross misconduct, corruption, and absenteeism.
The Senate’s decision paves the way for Abdullahi Bello to officially take over as the substantive Chairman of the Tribunal, a role previously confirmed by the Senate in July.
The Proceedings
The motion for Umar’s removal was overwhelmingly supported, with 74 senators signing in favor and an additional 10 present, culminating in 84 votes for his dismissal. The deliberations began in a closed-door session at 1:17 PM and concluded at 2:36 PM, with Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) and Senate Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) leading the motion.
Grounds for Removal
The motion highlighted a series of allegations against Umar, including:
- Corruption and Misconduct: Multiple petitions regarding financial mismanagement and ethical breaches.
- Absenteeism: An extended absence of over a month without official permission.
- Unprofessional Conduct: Reports of a physical altercation with a security officer in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
- Investigations: Ongoing inquiries by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Senate Leader Bamidele stated, “The Code of Conduct Tribunal is a key federal institution tasked with ensuring public officers maintain the highest standards of morality and accountability. However, the conduct of Mr. Yakubu Umar has fallen short of these expectations, necessitating his removal.”
The decision also cited Umar’s failure to respond to multiple Senate Committee invitations during prior investigations, highlighting a lack of cooperation.
Next Steps
With Umar’s removal finalized, Abdullahi Bello will now assume the leadership of the CCT. His confirmation by the Senate in July underscores the importance of restoring integrity to the Tribunal, a body critical to ensuring high standards of accountability in government.
The Senate’s decisive action signals a commitment to upholding ethical governance and addressing misconduct at the highest levels.
