The House of Representatives has approved the removal of Danladi Umar as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), invoking Section 17(3), Part 1, Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The decision was made on Tuesday following a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere.
Ihonvbere highlighted an incident in 2021 where Umar was involved in a public altercation with a security guard at Banex Plaza, Abuja. This incident led to an investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.
“The House is aware of the conduct of the Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal, who recently engaged in a public brawl with a security guard at Banex Plaza, which necessitated an invitation from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions,” Ihonvbere said.
He further noted that Umar admitted to the altercation but failed to cooperate fully with the investigation, frustrating the committee’s efforts. Ihonvbere emphasized that the CCT, as a statutory institution, should embody moral integrity, accountability, and probity—standards that Umar had fallen short of.
“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,” Ihonvbere added, stressing the importance of upholding the rule of law and good governance.
Last week, the Senate took similar action, citing relevant constitutional provisions for Umar’s removal.
During the House debate, an attempt by Mansur Soro, representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency, to delay Umar’s removal was rejected by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
“The House is merely concurring with the Senate, which took a position on this matter last week. The position already taken by the Senate should be respected,” Abbas stated.
The resolution underscores the 10th National Assembly’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of public institutions and upholding the principles of governance and accountability.
