The Nigerian Senate has removed Danladi Umar, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), following allegations of gross misconduct. This decision was made in accordance with Section 157(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), which grants the Senate the authority to remove key public officials after due process.

The motion to remove Umar was presented during a closed-door session lasting over an hour and a half. Upon resuming plenary, the Senate revealed that more than 84 lawmakers had supported the motion for his removal.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who sponsored the motion, emphasized the importance of the CCT in promoting high standards of integrity and accountability in government. He stated, “The Code of Conduct Tribunal is a statutory institution that must uphold integrity, probity, and accountability. However, Mr. Yakubu Danladi Umar’s conduct has fallen far short of these standards for a public official entrusted with such an important role.”

Bamidele further highlighted that Umar’s actions had tarnished the reputation of the Tribunal, which should be an example of moral rectitude. He noted that the Senate had received numerous petitions accusing Umar of corruption and misconduct, leading the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions to summon him for several investigative hearings. However, Umar only attended one session and failed to respond to further invitations.

The Senate also expressed concern over Umar’s extended absenteeism from office, reportedly for over a month without permission, and his involvement in a public altercation with a security guard in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These actions, coupled with ongoing investigations by the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS, were cited as evidence of gross negligence and misconduct unbecoming of the CCT Chairman.

In addition, the Senate confirmed the appointment of Abdullahi Usman Bello as the new CCT Chairman. President Bola Tinubu had nominated Bello, and his confirmation took place during a plenary session on July 4, 2024.

Section 157(1) of the Constitution allows for the removal of the CCT Chairman or any member of the Code of Conduct Bureau by the President, based on an address supported by a two-thirds majority of the Senate, for inability to perform duties or misconduct. The Senate’s decision reflects its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the Tribunal and ensuring that it continues to serve as a model of corporate governance in Nigeria.

This marks the first time since 1999 that the Senate has invoked this constitutional provision to remove the head of an agency, demonstrating the 10th Senate’s resolve to uphold the rule of law and maintain public confidence in vital government institutions.

Dennis Idahosa, edo State Deputy Governor has disclosed that former Governor Adams Oshiomhole opposed his son Cyril’s nomination as Commissioner for Health-designate. This announcement comes after Governor Monday Okpebholo appointed Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole to the position.

Idahosa described Cyril as a seasoned medical doctor who studied in Nigeria and the United States, making him fully qualified to serve in the cabinet. “The fact that he is Oshiomhole’s son does not disqualify him from holding a position he is competent to manage. He will serve as Commissioner for Health based on merit,” Idahosa stated

Refuting allegations of nepotism and state capture, Idahosa emphasized that Oshiomhole opposed his son’s nomination due to the governor’s vision for Edo State. “The governor made the decision to appoint Cyril based on competence, not because of his father,” Idahosa explained

In response to comparisons with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s remarks on state capture, Idahosa clarified, “What is happening in Edo State is far from state capture. It’s about ensuring competence and delivering results for the people”

As deputy governor, Idahosa oversees the boundary commission and participates in cabinet discussions with Governor Okpebholo

Chief Agboola Ajayi, the 2024 Ondo State Governorship Candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has rejected the election results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday. Ajayi has announced plans to challenge the results in court.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Ayo Fadaka, Ajayi explained that he initially refrained from making a public statement to thoroughly investigate alleged electoral fraud involving the All Progressives Congress (APC) and INEC. Ajayi claims that numerous actions were taken to compromise the election process, and he believes that democracy cannot thrive in an environment where criminal activities are allowed to distort the will of the people.

He expressed concerns about the continuous pattern of election manipulations under the current administration, which he says has led to voter apathy and disillusionment with the electoral system. Ajayi stated, “The November 16th election, like previous ones, since the APC came to power in 2015, reflects the hijacking of the electoral process, resulting in outcomes that contradict the people’s choices.”

While withholding specific details of his findings for now, Ajayi called on those in positions of power to act with integrity and respect the will of the people. He urged the judiciary to uphold its responsibility and deliver justice, stressing that the nation’s well-being depends on fair governance.

Ajayi further emphasized the urgent need for honesty and integrity in Nigeria’s institutions, warning that failure to uphold these values could lead to dire consequences. He concluded, “We reject the results of the November 16 election and will pursue legal avenues to challenge them. We hope that both human and divine justice will prevail, ensuring a fair electoral process for the future.”

The Senate is set to approve President Bola Tinubu’s $2.2 billion (approximately ₦1.77 trillion) loan request today (Wednesday). This loan is a key component of the external borrowing plan designed to support the implementation of the ₦28.7 trillion 2024 budget.

In letters read during the Senate and House of Representatives sessions on Tuesday, Tinubu outlined that the loan would help address the ₦9.7 trillion budget deficit projected for the 2024 fiscal year. Following the announcement, Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts to review the request and submit its findings within 24 hours.

Akpabio remarked, “The Presidential request for $2.2 billion, equivalent to ₦1.77 trillion, is part of the external borrowing plan for the 2024 fiscal year. The Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Loans must urgently consider this request and report back within the stipulated time.”

Additionally, President Tinubu submitted the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) for 2025–2027 to the National Assembly. Akpabio tasked the Senate Committee on Finance, National Planning, and Economic Affairs to review the documents and report back within a week.

Key parameters of the MTEF/FSP include:

• An oil price benchmark of $75 per barrel,
• Daily oil production of 2.06 million barrels,
• An exchange rate of ₦1,400 to $1,
• A GDP growth target of 6.4%.

These benchmarks will inform the proposed ₦47.9 trillion 2025 budget.

In a related development, Tinubu also submitted an amendment to the Social Investment Programme Bill, aiming to enhance the framework for implementing social welfare initiatives. The amendment proposes designating the National Investment Register as the central tool for identifying and targeting beneficiaries, ensuring data-driven and transparent program delivery.

Tinubu noted, “This amendment will make our social and welfare programs more transparent, efficient, and impactful in addressing the needs of vulnerable Nigerians.”

Submitted under Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the proposal seeks swift legislative approval. If passed, the amendment will improve the management and delivery of social investment programs, enhancing their effectiveness in combating poverty and inequality nationwide.

The Senate has referred the bill to relevant committees for review, with deliberations expected in subsequent sessions. This move highlights the Tinubu administration’s focus on leveraging technology and data to optimise its social welfare initiatives.