By Samaila Emmanuel Bzugu
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing governance and transparency, President Bola Tinubu has nominated three new members to the board of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). This decision comes amidst ongoing turmoil regarding the leadership of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), where Chairman Umar Danladi faces serious allegations of corruption and misconduct.
The nominations were shared in a formal communication addressed to the Senate President and were disclosed in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The new nominees for the CCB board are Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle from Oyo State, Kennedy Ikpeme from Cross River, and retired Federal High Court Judge Justice Ibrahim Buba.
The Code of Conduct Bureau is responsible for promoting integrity in public service and ensuring compliance with ethical standards
Established in 1979, the Code of Conduct Bureau is responsible for promoting integrity in public service and ensuring compliance with ethical standards. The Bureau operates under a 10-member board, which saw the recent swearing-in of its chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello, on October 23, 2024.
The existing board also includes notable figures such as Barr. Muritala Aliyu Kankia, Hon. E J Agbomayinma, Barr. Ben Umeano, and Prof. Juwayriyya Badamasiuy, among others.
“The Senate erroneously based its resolution on Section 157 (1), which does not apply to the chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal. The correct provisions are Section 17 (3) of the Constitution and Section 22 (3) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act 2004. We must correct this for the resolution to take legal effect,” Bamidele told his colleagues.
The Senate unanimously agreed to Bamidele’s motion to correct the error and adjust the resolution accordingly.
The resolution which has enjoyed concurrence by the House of Representatives, has formally advised President Tinubu to remove Danladi from office. The allegations against the CCT chairman include corruption and misconduct.
