The Nigerian Senate has corrected a constitutional error in its earlier decision to remove Mr. Yakubu Danladi Umar as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). This adjustment came after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele raised a motion, highlighting that the appropriate legal provision for such a removal is Section 17(3) of the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, rather than Section 157 as previously cited. Bamidele explained that Section 17(3) specifically governs the removal of the CCT Chairman, distinguishing it from provisions applicable to other public officials.
At the plenary session, Senator Bamidele spoke about the mistake, saying, “We have learned that a mistake was made in citing the wrong part of the Constitution. We now correct it to show the right part, Section 17(3) of the Fifth Schedule.” This came after the Senate had made a decision to remove Umar due to alleged wrongdoing.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio recognized the mistake but stressed that this legal error does not change the Senate's decision. "Even if the legal reference was wrong, the reasons for the decision are still valid. The allegations against the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT Chairman are serious, and the Senate supports its decision," Akpabio stated.
The choice to remove Umar gained a lot of attention, with several lawmakers expressing worries about his behavior in office. Some Senate members had questioned the legal grounds for this decision, which led to the clarification made on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024.
In a statement made available to journalist's, Senator Bamidele further explained, "We take legal precision seriously, and it was important for us to correct this so that there is no ambiguity in the process." He added, “The removal is not only a matter of legal compliance, but also one of ensuring accountability in public office.”
The Senate President also reassured the public that the Senate's commitment to upholding constitutional principles remains unwavering. “We are committed to the rule of law and ensuring that all public officials act in accordance with the law and uphold the highest standards of conduct,” he noted.
Despite the clarification, the Senate’s decision to remove Umar remains a key issue, and further developments are expected in the coming days as the matter moves through the legislative process.
