The Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has addressed the controversy surrounding the National Assembly’s removal of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) chairman.

Speaking on the matter, Adebayo argued that the legislature acted within its authority and emphasized the importance of integrity in public institutions saying that they have the power to remove the president and Commander-in-Chief of the Atmed Forces

The Nigerian Senate last Wednesday, invoked Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to remove the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, from office.

The decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti), during plenary.

The motion titled “Invocation of Provision of Section 157(1) of the Constitution for Removal of the Chairman of the CCT” was unanimously supported by the Senate.

Senator Bamidele, while presenting the motion, emphasized the sacred role of the CCT in maintaining high moral standards in government business and ensuring public officials adhere to principles of accountability and integrity.

He argued that the conduct of Danladi Umar fell short of these expectations.

Key allegations against the embattled Chairman according to the Senate leader included Corruption and Misconduct with Multiple petitions alleging corruption and misappropriation of funds.

There were Reports of Mr. Umar being absent from office for over a month without official permission.

He was also accused of refusal to Cooperate with Senate Investigations as he only appeared once before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions and avoided subsequent invitations.

He was also accused of engaging a physical altercation with a security guard in the Federal Capital Territory, an incident described as unbecoming of a public servant coupled with ongoing investigations by the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS which the senate refferred to a gross misconduct and negligence.

The Senate replaced Umar with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nominee Mr. Abdullahi Usman Bello whose appointment was confirmed on July 4, 2024.

This decision has sparked criticism, with some legal experts arguing that the legislative body relied on a section of the Constitution—Section 157(2)—that applies to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and not the tribunal.

Critics claimed the removal process was flawed and that the legislature overstepped its bounds.

However, Adebayo who is also constitutional lawyer of repute dismissed the assertions, asserting that the National Assembly has the constitutional authority to discipline public officers, including the CCT chairman.

Adebayo explained that under the principle of separation of powers, the executive, legislative, and judicial branches serve as checks on each other.

“The National Assembly has oversight powers over public institutions, including the judiciary. The CCT chairman, while heading a judicial body, is still a public servant subject to the disciplinary powers of other branches of government,” Adebayo said.

He added that the Code of Conduct Tribunal, unlike the superior courts, operates as a unique judicial body tasked with trying violations of the Code of Conduct. As such, it falls within the legislature’s purview to act when misconduct occurs.

“If the National Assembly and the executive agreed that an official should be removed, that decision stands. The same principle applies to other branches of government intervening in cases of misconduct within their counterparts,” he explained.

Adebayo emphasized that the debate should not be reduced to legal technicalities but should focus on the ethical standards required for such critical roles.

“The chairman of the CCT is the custodian of public ethics. Any hint of misconduct undermines public trust in the tribunal and the judiciary. Someone in such a position must be above reproach, as their role is to enforce the same standards they must exemplify,” Adebayo said.

Reports of alleged misconduct involving the former CCT chairman, including unprofessional behavior, have further fueled public outcry. Adebayo argued that officials in such positions should step down voluntarily when their integrity is questioned.

Addressing the legal arguments raised by critics, Adebayo highlighted the difference between the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

“The CCB is an administrative body under the executive, responsible for compliance and asset declaration. The CCT, on the other hand, is a judicial body tasked with trying violations of the Code of Conduct. While the two institutions are distinct, both are subject to oversight and discipline by the legislature and executive,” he explained.

Adebayo urged Nigerians to approach the issue with objectivity, focusing on accountability rather than partisan arguments.

“The removal of the CCT chairman is about preserving the integrity of our institutions. This is not a matter of partisanship or legal maneuvering—it’s about ensuring that public servants are held to the highest ethical standards,” he said.

While some critics have called for judicial intervention to challenge the removal, Adebayo maintained that the National Assembly’s actions align with constitutional principles.

He emphasized the need for public officers, particularly those in sensitive roles, to maintain the highest levels of decorum and professionalism.

“This incident should remind us of the importance of accountability in governance. The integrity of our public institutions must remain sacrosanct,” Adebayo concluded.