By Umar Muhammad Puma
The House of Representatives has called on Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar to step aside pending the determination of the corruption case filed against him, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The House has also condemned what it termed as manipulation of the nation’s judicial system by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, and Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, as it directed its committee on judiciary to ensure the return of sanity to the judicial system.
The House in a motion sponsored by the Minority Whip, Yakubu Barde (PDP Kaduna), said the recent turn of events where the CCT Chairman was charged by the EFCC, after the Commission and the AGF have previously cleared him of the allegations that formed the basis of the now two count charge.
“The fact that EFCC had previously issued a statement absolving Justice Danladi Umar of any wrongdoing and is now being asked to try the Senate President with the tendency to give an impression that a game is being arranged to meet certain predetermined result portraying our legal system as capable of being manipulated, should be of great concern to everyone”, the lawmaker stated.
He expressed concern therefore that any possible convictions, or findings of the CCT under the leadership of Umar while he undergoes trial “may be rendered null and void by the appellate court, thereby frustrating the course of justice”.
The lawmakers in their separate contribution to the debate questioned the continued stay of Umar as Chairman of CCT, when he is facing trial.
Recalled that the commission had recently preferred a two count charge of corruption and soliciting bribe against Umar at the FCT High Court
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