Northern group knocks ex-CCT boss for allegedly recording zero conviction in four years

The Northern Patriotic Front (NPF) has criticised the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for its zero conviction record over the past four years under its previous leadership.

According to the group, the CCT’s failure to secure convictions during the tenure of the former chairman, Danladi Umar, despite hundreds of pending cases, has undermined public trust in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.

The organisation also urged the media aide to the former CCT chairman, Usman Atekojo, to desist from any act capable of jeopardising the integrity and image of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the recent replacement of his boss.

Recall that President Tinubu, in a press statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, replaced the CCT leadership with Dr. Mainasara Umar Kogo.

The tribunal’s former leadership was marred by allegations of contract awards without due process, blocking of annual staff training, and an assault on a 22-year-old security guard in March 2021.

While briefing journalists in Abuja, the spokesperson for the Northern Patriotic Front, Muhammed Ahmed, said the need for accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s institutions.

He explained that the CCT requires a leader with impeccable integrity, as its role in adjudicating asset declaration cases demands transparency and accountability.

Ahmed commended President Tinubu’s decision to replace the chairman, citing the necessity of preserving the sanctity of the office.

He said, “The CCT, under its former leadership, has failed miserably in the fight against corruption, as it has not been able to convict even one person in the last four years, despite hundreds of cases pending before it.

“Such an office, which requires a statesman with impeccable character, should not be held by public officials with tarnished records.

“Indeed, there were numerous cases pending against the former CCT boss, Danladi Umar, in the National Assembly and anti-graft agencies, all bordering on corruption and gross misconduct, of which the office requires a statesman with stainless character to hold, as the arbiter of public servants’ morality and exemplary conduct. Only in Nigeria does someone with negative records get allowed to hold such an office.

“In Nigeria, however, it is not uncommon for individuals with negative reputations to occupy positions that require clean leadership.

“Leaders of institutions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and countless others have been removed due to misconduct without completing their tenures. The replacement of the immediate past leadership of the CCT by President Bola Tinubu is a move to preserve the sanctity of the office it occupies.”