The Nigerian Senate has officially removed Danladi Umar as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) following allegations of gross misconduct.

The decision, made after a lengthy closed-door session, was backed by more than 84 senators, marking a significant action under Section 157(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who sponsored the motion, emphasized the crucial role of the CCT in upholding integrity and accountability within Nigeria’s public institutions.

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He condemned Umar’s conduct, asserting that it did not meet the standards required of a public officer in such an esteemed position.

“The Code of Conduct Tribunal is a statutory institution expected to uphold virtues of integrity and accountability,” Bamidele said. “However, Mr. Danladi Umar’s conduct has fallen short of the requisite standards for someone entrusted with such responsibilities.”

Bamidele outlined a series of allegations against Umar, including corruption, misconduct, and a month-long unexplained absence from office.

He also pointed to Umar’s involvement in a physical altercation with a security guard in Abuja, as well as ongoing investigations by the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS.

These incidents, Bamidele argued, reflected negligence and gross misconduct, unbefitting the position of CCT Chairman.

“The Senate has been inundated with series of petitions and allegations of corruption and misconduct against the Chairman, which led to several invitations to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions,” Bamidele continued. “Unfortunately, he appeared only once and subsequently ignored further invitations.”

In addition to detailing Umar’s alleged missteps, Bamidele noted the Senate’s recent confirmation of Abdullahi Usman Bello as the new CCT Chairman.

Bello was nominated by President Bola Tinubu and confirmed by the Senate on July 4, 2024, ushering in a new leadership era for the Tribunal.

The invocation of Section 157(1) of the Constitution, which allows the Senate to remove the CCT Chairman for misconduct, is a rare move.

It is the first time since 1999 that the provision has been used to dismiss the head of a key government agency.

This decision underscores the 10th Senate’s determination to uphold the rule of law and ensure the integrity of public institutions in Nigeria.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on the Nigerian government and stakeholders to prioritize the completion of the National Library of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja, a project that has been stalled for nearly two decades.

Speaking at the 60th anniversary celebration of the National Library in Abuja on Wednesday, Obasanjo highlighted the library’s importance as a critical infrastructure for the nation’s educational and cultural development.

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He said, “As we celebrate this remarkable milestone and embrace new directions, we must also address a pressing challenge: the completion of the National Library of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja.

“The vision for a purpose-built, state-of-the-art national library is not merely a symbolic aspiration; it is a critical necessity for our country.”

The contract for the library was awarded in 2006 during Obasanjo’s administration to Reynolds Construction Company for N8.9 billion, with an expected completion timeline of four years.

The facility, located on Plot 35, Cadastral Business District in the Federal Capital Territory, was intended to serve as a modern hub for learning, literacy, and cultural preservation.

However, it remains incomplete, more than 18 years later.

Obasanjo stressed the need for collective action, saying, “I, therefore, call on all stakeholders – from the government to the private sector and international partners – to prioritise the completion of this vital infrastructure.

“A fully operational headquarters will serve as a beacon for literacy and learning, a hub for cultural preservation, and a global symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to education and innovation.”

Also speaking at the event, National Librarian Professor Veronica Anunobi highlighted the achievements of the library since its establishment.

According to her, the National Library has issued over 1,000,574 International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs) since 1974 and 27,755 International Serial Numbers (ISSNs) since 1976.

“This year, a greater push was made to fulfil our responsibility in the issuance of International Standard Music Numbers, and we were able to issue numbers for published music scores,” Anunobi noted.

The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday entered a closed-door session to deliberate on the potential removal of Justice Danladi Umar, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

The plenary, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, followed a motion put forward by Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele.

Bamidele, citing Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), urged the Senate to act on numerous petitions filed against Justice Umar.

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He argued that the allegations were serious enough to warrant Umar’s removal in line with constitutional provisions.

A source within the Senate disclosed that the closed session was necessary to address contentious issues and ensure a unified approach before opening the floor for a public debate.

According to the Constitution, removing the Chairman of the CCT requires a two-thirds majority vote from the joint chambers of the National Assembly.

If successful, the motion will clear the way for Abdullahi Usman Bello to be sworn in as the new CCT Chairman.

More to follow……………