A significant constitutional crisis has erupted at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) as both Danladi Umar and Mainasara Kogo lay claim to the position of chairman. This unprecedented situation has led to confusion and uncertainty regarding the leadership of the tribunal, which is tasked with enforcing ethical conduct among public officials.
The turmoil began following President Bola Tinubu's controversial appointment of Mainasara Kogo as the new CCT chairman on July 13, 2024. This appointment was made despite ongoing allegations against Umar, who has served as chairman since July 2011. The Nigerian Senate had previously passed a resolution authorizing Umar's removal due to alleged misconduct and negligence, forwarding an address to the president for formal action. However, the process for his removal has been called into question, raising concerns about whether proper constitutional procedures were followed.
Mamman Yusufari, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has publicly criticized the appointment of Kogo, asserting that the necessary constitutional protocols for Umar's removal were not adhered to. According to Yusufari, the president's action may have been premature and lacked the required legislative backing, as stipulated in Section 157 of the Nigerian Constitution. He emphasized that any removal must be supported by a two-thirds majority in both houses of the National Assembly, which has not occurred in this case.
As a result of this confusion, both Umar and Kogo have been seen conducting official duties under their respective claims to the chairmanship. This duality has raised serious questions about the tribunal's functionality and integrity at a time when it is crucial for maintaining public accountability.
Legal experts are calling for immediate resolution to this impasse to restore order within the tribunal and ensure it can effectively carry out its mandate. The situation highlights broader issues regarding governance and adherence to constitutional processes in Nigeria.