The House of Representatives has followed the Senate’s lead in removing Umar Danladi as the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). The decision, made on Tuesday, was based on Section 17(3), Part 1, Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which allows for the removal of public officers for misconduct.
The motion to remove Danladi was moved by the Majority Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere. He reminded lawmakers of Danladi’s 2021 public altercation with a security guard at the Banex Plaza Shopping Complex in Abuja, which prompted an investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.
“Mr. Danladi admitted to being involved in the brawl but later refused to attend subsequent committee hearings, frustrating efforts to investigate the allegations,” Ihonvbere said during the session.
He added that the CCT, as a statutory institution, is expected to uphold high moral standards and demonstrate integrity, probity, and accountability. According to him, Danladi’s actions fell far short of these standards.
“The invocation of the constitutional provision in this circumstance seems to be the only way out to safeguard the sacred image of the Code of Conduct Tribunal,” Ihonvbere stated.
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The Senate had already voted last week to remove Danladi, citing constitutional provisions and his unprofessional behavior. The House’s decision aligns with the Senate’s resolution, reflecting a unified stance by the 10th National Assembly to uphold the rule of law and protect institutional integrity.
An attempt by Mansur Soro, the representative of Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency in Bauchi State, to delay the decision was swiftly overruled by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Soro had raised a constitutional point of order to buy more time for Danladi, but Abbas dismissed the effort.
“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 said.
Danladi’s removal marks a significant step in addressing concerns about misconduct in public office. His altercation at Banex Plaza, described as a public brawl, cast doubts on his ability to lead an institution responsible for upholding ethics and integrity.
The decision underscores the National Assembly’s commitment to ensuring accountability and restoring public confidence in institutions like the CCT. By acting decisively, both chambers of the legislature have reinforced their resolve to maintain high standards in governance.