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ABUJA – The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, invoked Section 17(3), Part 1, Fifth Schedule of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) to remove Danladi Umar from his position as chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
This resolution was reached following the adoption of a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere.
The move is in accordance with constitutional provisions that allow for the removal of public office holders under specific circumstances.
The Professor of Political Science reminded his colleagues of the infamous incident involving Umar, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), who was caught on video engaging in a public altercation with a security guard at Banex Plaza Shopping Complex, Abuja, in 2021. The controversy drew widespread condemnation and led to his summoning by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.
In a decisive move, last week, the Senate voted to remove Umar from office, citing relevant provisions of the constitution to justify their action.
While moving the motion on the floor of the green chamber, House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, emphasised that the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), as a statutory institution of significant importance, is expected to exemplify moral rectitude, integrity, probity, and accountability.
Ihonvbere further asserted that the Chairman of the Tribunal, Mr. Danladi Umar, has failed to meet the high standards required of a public officer entrusted with managing the affairs of such a critical institution.
“The House notes with concern the conduct of the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, who was recently involved in a public altercation with a security guard at Banex Plaza Shopping Complex. This incident prompted an invitation from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions for further investigation.
“While the chairman admitted his involvement in the brawl during an initial appearance before the committee, he has since refused to attend subsequent hearings, thereby hindering the committee’s efforts to thoroughly investigate the allegations against him.
“The House recalls that by virtue of the provisions of Section 17 (3), PT 1, Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Section 22(3) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act Cap C15 LFN 2004, Mr President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces is mandated to act on an address supported by a two-thirds majority of the Senate and House of Representatives and praying that the chairman be so removed for misconduct.
“We affirm that the invocation of the aforementioned constitutional provision in this circumstance seems to be the only way out to safeguard the sacred image of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, in line with the resolution of the 10th National Assembly to uphold the rule of law and sustain the ideals of corporate governance structure in Nigeria.”
Attempt by the member representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency, Bauchi State, Mansur Soro, to intervene to buy Umar some days via a constitutional point of order was rejected by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, clarified the House’s stance on a pressing legislative matter, emphasising alignment with the Senate’s earlier decision.
“The House is merely concurring with the Senate, which took a position on this issue last week,” Abbas stated. “The Senate’s position on the matter should be respected.”
