In a recent development, the Nigerian Senate has admitted to making a mistake in its resolution to remove Umar Danladi as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). The Senate had previously invoked Section 157 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution as the legal basis for the removal, but this was later found to be incorrect.

On Tuesday, Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele acknowledged that Section 157 (1) does not apply to the CCT Chairman. He clarified that the correct legal references should be Section 17 (3) of the Nigerian Constitution and Section 22 (3) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, 2004. These provisions require the Senate to pass a resolution with a two-thirds majority, and also need concurrence from the House of Representatives to advise the President on removing certain public officials.

Bamidele explained that the Senate had mistakenly used the wrong section and called for the resolution to be corrected. The Senate unanimously agreed to make the necessary adjustments to the resolution.

Despite admitting the legal error, the Senate still stands by its decision to recommend the removal of Danladi, who faces allegations of corruption and misconduct. The House of Representatives had already concurred with the Senate’s initial resolution, and the formal advice to President Bola Tinubu to remove Danladi remains in place.

This correction comes as part of the Senate’s efforts to ensure its actions are legally sound while maintaining its stance on the CCT Chairman’s removal.