The Senate invoked Section 157 (1) of the amended 1999 Constitution to dismiss Yakubu Danladi Umar from his position as chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), citing severe misconduct.
The decision came after a significant majority in the Senate supported the motion, with 74 out of 84 senators present voting in favour of Umar’s removal, while 10 senators abstained. This resolution will be forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for the official dismissal of Umar, paving the way for Abdullahi Usman Bello to assume the role of new chairman of the Tribunal.
Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio announced the decision following a closed-door session that commenced at 1:17 PM. The motion was introduced by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central).
After the session concluded at 2:36 PM, Senate Whip Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC Borno North) emphasised that the Senate’s action aligns with constitutional provisions.
Senator Bamidele described the motion as critical for upholding the integrity of federal institutions, stressing the Tribunal’s responsibility to maintain high moral standards in governmental operations and ensure accountability among public officials.
He pointed out that Umar’s conduct had not met the expected standards for someone in his position. The Senate has received numerous petitions alleging corruption and misconduct against him, which prompted the 9th Senate to summon him for multiple investigative hearings. Unfortunately, Umar attended only one session and subsequently neglected further invitations.
Concerns were also raised regarding Umar’s prolonged absence from office, which exceeded a month without authorisation, alongside ongoing investigations by the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS into allegations of corruption, misappropriation, and an altercation with a security officer in the Federal Capital Territory.
Senator Bamidele concluded that such behaviour reflects negligence and gross misconduct and is unworthy of a chairman in such a prestigious Tribunal.
