The Senate, on Wednesday, dismissed Danladi Umar as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) over allegations of gross misconduct.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Chief Adegboyega Awolomo (SAN), counsel for former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Walter Onnoghen, welcomed the decision.
Umar had presided over Onnoghen’s controversial trial and removal in 2019. NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), remarked that the Senate’s decision adhered to constitutional provisions, stating, “If the process follows constitutional stipulations, it cannot be faulted.”
Awolomo added, “I leave him -Umar, to God and his conscience. May the Lord forgive him.”
The Senate acted under Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers it to remove key public officials for misconduct.
The resolution came after a closed-door session lasting over an hour and a half, with more than 84 senators supporting the motion.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele sponsored the motion, emphasising the importance of integrity and accountability in the tribunal.
He noted that Umar’s conduct, including absenteeism, corruption allegations, and involvement in a public brawl, undermined the tribunal’s credibility.
Bamidele highlighted that Umar had repeatedly ignored invitations from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, which had investigated numerous petitions against him.
The Senate’s decision coincided with the confirmation of Abdullahi Usman Bello as the new CCT Chairman, following his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Umar’s tenure was marked by controversy, including the trial of ex-CJN Walter Onnoghen for alleged false asset declarations.
The Court of Appeal recently overturned Onnoghen’s conviction, restoring his frozen accounts as part of an out-of-court settlement with the Federal Government.
This marks the first time since 1999 that the Senate has invoked Section 157(1) to remove the head of a statutory agency, reaffirming its commitment to upholding the rule of law and restoring trust in public institutions.
