“Tinubu’s Unilateral Appointment of CCT Chairman Sparks Legal Controversy”

President Bola Tinubu has faced criticism for bypassing the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) by unilaterally appointing Dr. Mainasara Umar Kogo as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). The appointment, which was communicated via a letter signed by Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), was made on January 20, 2025, with the appointment’s effective date backdated to November 27, 2024.

The move follows controversy surrounding the planned succession of Justice Danladi Umar, the former CCT Chairman, whose tenure had not expired due to the retirement age. Despite the legal uncertainty, Kogo’s appointment was announced in July 2024, long before the expiration of Umar’s term, leading to widespread criticism that the process was unconstitutional.

Legal experts and senior advocates, including Professor Mamman Lawan Yusufari, Professor Yemi Akinseye George, and Dr. Wahab Shittu, have strongly condemned the government’s actions. They argue that the Constitution mandates the NJC and FJSC to play crucial roles in nominating and recommending candidates for the CCT chairmanship, and that the National Assembly lacks the authority to remove judicial officers.

In addition, the legality of the National Assembly’s attempt to remove Justice Umar, following claims of executive interference, remains under litigation. The case is currently before Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where President Tinubu, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio are named as defendants.

Further complicating the matter, the appointment of Kogo has raised questions about transparency, with many speculating that it is tied to political maneuvering related to President Tinubu’s own legal challenges. Notably, Justice Umar had previously discharged Tinubu of charges related to false asset declaration in 2012, sparking rumors that the tribunal could play a role in hindering his presidential ambitions.

When contacted for comment, Dr. Festus Akande, spokesperson for the Supreme Court, confirmed that he was unaware of any meeting between the NJC and FJSC regarding Kogo’s appointment, citing his annual leave.

With constitutional questions hanging over the appointment, the legal community remains on edge, urging the Attorney-General to advise President Tinubu on the potential irregularities in the process.