Alleged Assault: Seadogs Want Umar Removed as CCT Chairman

By theGazetteNGR

Editorinchief

Posted: April 7, 2021 at 2:08 PM, Updated: September 21, 2022 at 7:43 AM

his culture of impunity and arrogant disdain for the ordinary citizen and misuse of state power must stop. Enough is enough

On Tuesday, the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) added its voice to the growing demands for Mr Danladi Umar to be removed from his role as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) and prosecuted.

Mr Clement Sagwak, a security guard at the Banex Plaza in Abuja, was violently assaulted by Umar on March 29 in a viral video.

Many Nigerians viewed his behavior as a form of corruption, and he was subsequently removed from his role as Chairman of the CCT.

In a press release titled â€˜Danladi Umar is No Longer Fit For Public Office,’ the NAS Capoon, Mr Abiola Owoaje, said the CCT chairman’s behaviour ‘illustrates an unambiguous example of lawlessness, arrogant disdain for public morality and the violation of rights and dignity of a private citizen‘.

Mr. Umar’s interview and the statement from the CCT’s spokesperson ‘offer neither exculpation nor mitigation for what must be considered in any decent society, gross misconduct and potentially, criminal malfeasance’ according to Owoaje.

The harassment of Sagwak and the arrest of a phone repairer, Mr Peter Onyiuke, by the police, according to him, is yet another example of the abuse of state power.

â€œMr 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.

â€œIn addition, Mr Umar should be investigated for possible criminal prosecution since assault remains a criminal offence under our laws.

â€œThe Federal Capital Territory Police Command should immediately unconditionally release Mr Peter Onyiuke, who is in their custody on the orders of Mr Umar.

â€œBoth 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.

â€œThis culture of impunity and arrogant disdain for the ordinary citizen and misuse of state power must stop. Enough is enough,â€ he said.