A group of lawyers in Bauchi, operating under the banner of Lawyers for the Cause of Bauchi (LAWBA), has challenged the recent removal of Justice Danladi Umar as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), describing it as unconstitutional and invalid.
Justice Umar’s removal by the Senate last week was attributed to alleged gross misconduct. The decision came after a closed-door session that lasted over an hour and a half. However, during a press conference on Monday, LAWBA’s spokesperson, Nasiru H. Bala, argued that the Senate’s action exceeded its constitutional authority.
According to LAWBA, the process for removing the CCT Chairman, as outlined in the 1999 Constitution, requires presidential approval and a two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Bala emphasized that the Senate acted unilaterally, failing to adhere to these constitutional provisions.
The group highlighted that Section 157(1) of the Constitution, which the Senate reportedly relied on, does not apply to the CCT. LAWBA clarified that this section pertains to other bodies, such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Federal Judicial Service Commission, but explicitly excludes the CCT.
Instead, Section 17(3) of the Constitution’s 5th Schedule clearly stipulates that the removal of the CCT Chairman requires the involvement of both legislative chambers.
LAWBA further noted that this issue has sparked intense public debate since July, when the Federal Government first indicated plans to replace the CCT Chairman. The group warned that disregarding constitutional procedures undermines democracy and the rule of law.
The lawyers called on the Attorney General of the Federation to ensure that the government respects constitutional processes. They also urged the National Assembly to operate within its constitutional powers and called on the Executive to follow proper legal protocols in addressing such matters.
