Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar, the embattled Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), has quietly withdrawn his lawsuit difficult the controversial appointment of Dr. Mainasara Umar Kogo as his successor—an appointment made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in alleged violation of constitutional procedures.

PRNigeria studies that in Swimsuit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1796/2024, filed on the Federal Excessive Courtroom, Abuja, Justice Umar—alongside civil society teams—had sought to nullify the appointment of Dr. Kogo. The respondents listed within the swimsuit included President Tinubu, the Legal professional-Basic of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the Nationwide Meeting, the Nationwide Judicial Council (NJC), and the Federal Judicial Service Fee (FJSC), amongst others.

Nevertheless, in a stunning growth, a “Discover of Discontinuance” dated March 20, 2025, and signed by Umar’s authorized representatives—M.M. Maidoki, A.G. Salisu, and Jibrin S. Jibrin—was filed in courtroom, successfully ending the authorized problem.

Sources advised PRNigeria that Justice Umar determined to withdraw the swimsuit following intense stress from members of the family and revered elders from Toro, Bauchi State—his hometown—who urged him to prioritize household honor and keep away from escalating political tensions.

A member of Umar’s authorized staff disclosed that, regardless of their agency perception that the President, Nationwide Meeting, and Secretary to the Authorities of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, had acted illegally in opposition to Umar, they suggested him to withdraw the case for the sake of his security and the integrity of his household.

The elimination makes an attempt in opposition to Justice Umar ignited critical authorized and constitutional controversy involving the Presidency, the Nationwide Meeting, and the SGF. President Tinubu’s resolution to nominate Dr. Kogo was first introduced in July 2024 by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale—even though Justice Umar’s tenure had not expired.

Compounding the controversy, the official appointment letter, signed by SGF George Akume, was dated January 20, 2025, however backdated to November 27, 2024—an motion that raised additional suspicion amongst authorized students and political observers.

The Nationwide Meeting additionally contributed to the confusion by initially citing an incorrect constitutional provision and even misstating the title of the meant appointee—errors they later retracted—elevating issues that Umar’s elimination was politically motivated quite than primarily based on confirmed misconduct.

The transfer was broadly condemned by authorized specialists, who described it as unconstitutional. Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) together with Prof. Mamman Lawan Yusufari, Dr. Wahab Shittu, and Prof. Yemi Akinseye George identified that, beneath the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Structure, it’s the Nationwide Judicial Council (NJC) and the Federal Judicial Service Fee (FJSC) which can be empowered to appoint and suggest candidates for appointment to the CCT—not the President performing unilaterally.

There isn’t any public proof that the NJC, chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, really helpful any successor. Equally, there is no such thing as a proof that the Nationwide Meeting met the two-thirds majority threshold required to lawfully take away Justice Umar.

The Nationwide Meeting’s transfer to oust Umar was reportedly initiated on the behest of the Presidency, resulting in the litigation that has now been withdrawn. Notably, President Tinubu, Legal professional-Basic Fagbemi, and different officers had already filed their statements of protection previous to the discontinuance.

Justice Umar has beforehand presided over a number of politically delicate instances, together with the 2012 trial of then-Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu over alleged false asset declarations. Though he discharged Tinubu, he didn’t acquit him—an consequence some imagine may need posed constitutional hurdles throughout Tinubu’s political ascendancy.

With the withdrawal of the case, it stays unsure whether or not Justice Umar will formally vacate his place or search different avenues to contest Dr. Kogo’s appointment.

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) is a specialised courtroom tasked with upholding moral requirements amongst Nigerian public officers. It’s empowered to attempt politicians, civil servants, judges, and others accused of breaching the Code of Conduct, together with false asset declarations, international account possession, conflicts of curiosity, and corruption-related misconduct.

Upon conviction, the Tribunal can impose penalties similar to elimination from workplace, disqualification from holding public workplace for as much as ten years, and forfeiture of belongings improperly acquired.

By PRNigeriaPRNigeria