The growing calls for the removal and prosecution of Mr Danladi Umar as the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) continued unabated on Tuesday as the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) lends its voice to the calls for his removal.
Umar was on March 29 caught in a viral video physically assaulting a security guard, Mr Clement Sagwak at the Banex Plaza, Abuja.
Many Nigerians had criticised his action as an act of misconduct enough for him to be sacked from office as CCT Chairman.
The NAS Capoon, Mr Abiola Owoaje in a press statement made available to THISDAY, titled ‘Danladi Umar is No Longer Fit For Public Office’ said the action of the CCT chairman “illustrates an unambiguous example of lawlessness, arrogant disdain for public morality and the violation of rights and dignity of a private citizen.”
Owoaje noted that the statement from the CCT’s spokesman and the interview by Mr Umar “offer neither exculpation nor mitigation for what must be considered in any decent society, gross misconduct and potentially, criminal malfeasance.”
According to him the harassment of Sagwak and the arrest of a phone repairer, Mr Peter Onyiuke by the Police is a further proof of the misuse of state power.
“Mr Umar has clearly demonstrated an inability to uphold the high standards, in personal and public conduct, expected of judicial officers, which his office by the requirement of the law demands of others. His conduct has desecrated the office of the Chairman of CCT and has undermined public confidence in the ability of the Tribunal to hold public officials accountable for their misconduct. His position is therefore no longer tenable. He should resign his position immediately or be removed through the provisions enshrined in the Constitution lest the stench of his personal misconduct attract opprobrium to one of the hallowed pillars of governance.
“In addition, Mr Umar should be investigated for possible criminal prosecution since assault remains a criminal offence under our laws.
“The Federal Capital Territory Police Command should immediately unconditionally release Mr Peter Onyiuke, who is in their custody on the orders of Mr Umar.
“Both Messrs Onyiuke and Clement Sagwak should receive apologies for the infringement of their fundamental human rights and the officers responsible for these violations face appropriate disciplinary measures.
“This culture of impunity and arrogant disdain for the ordinary citizen and misuse of state power must stop. Enough is enough,” he said.
The organisation staged a protest march at the headquarters of CCT carrying placards with inscriptions like: ‘We demand Equity and Justice, Sack CCT Chairman Now’, ‘ “SpeakNow! Danladi UMAR, CCT Chairman must Go!”, “Say No to Elite Oppression’, ‘Say No to Judicial Tyrants”, “CCT Chairman Must Go’, ‘ “CCT Chairman does not deserve his Job!”
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