The Nigerian Senate has removed Yakubu Danladi Umar from his position as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), citing gross misconduct and actions deemed unbecoming of his office. Acting under Section 157 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution, the decision was supported by 84 senators, with 74 signing the resolution and 10 present during deliberations.

The motion for Umar’s removal was listed as the first agenda item and discussed during a closed-door session initiated at 1:17 pm. The session concluded at 2:36 pm when Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Senate Whip, moved for the action to proceed in line with constitutional provisions. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who sponsored the motion, titled it, *”Invocation of the Provision of Section 157 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, for the Removal of the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal.”*

Bamidele emphasized that the CCT is a critical federal institution tasked with ensuring high moral standards and accountability in public service. He noted that Umar’s conduct fell short of these expectations, citing allegations of corruption, absenteeism from office for over a month without permission, and involvement in a physical altercation with a security guard in Abuja. Umar had also reportedly avoided multiple Senate committee hearings investigating these claims.

In light of these issues and ongoing investigations by the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu forwarded Abdullahi Usman Bello’s name for Senate confirmation as the new CCT Chairman. Bello’s appointment was confirmed on July 4, 2024, prompting the Senate to remove Umar to allow the newly appointed chairman to assume office officially.