The Senate has removed Yakubu Umar as the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal over allegations of gross misconduct.
This decision, made on Wednesday, 20 2024 paves the way for Abdullahi Bello to officially assume the position as the new substantive Chairman of the Tribunal.
The removal was based on Section 157(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, with 84 senators—representing a two-thirds majority—signing in favor of the resolution. The Senate has forwarded the decision to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for further action.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, moved the motion for Umar’s removal during Wednesday’s plenary. In his motion, he emphasized that the CCT is a vital institution tasked with ensuring accountability and moral rectitude among public officials, but Umar’s conduct had failed to meet the high standards expected of his office.
“The Senate notes that a statutory institution of such magnitude is expected to be an epitome of moral rectitude. However, the conduct of Mr. Yakubu Danladi Umar has fallen short of the requisite standard,” Opeyemi Bamidele said.
Allegations against Umar included corruption, absenteeism from office for over a month without permission, and involvement in a physical altercation with a security officer in Abuja. He is also under investigation by the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS.
The Senate also highlighted Umar’s failure to cooperate with investigations. “The 9th Senate invited him for hearings on the allegations, but he only appeared once and avoided subsequent invitations,” Opeyemi Bamidele added.
Sen Mohammed Tahir Monguno, who supported the motion, said the decision was necessary to uphold the credibility of the tribunal and ensure it functions effectively.
President Tinubu had earlier nominated Abdullahi Bello as the new Chairman, with the Senate confirming Bello’s appointment on July 4, 2024.
