Even though the majority in senate will always have its way, I and my constituents are not in support of the amendments to the Code of Conduct Act CAP C15 LFN 2004. Some of my colleagues have stepped out in opposition to the amendments.
Those were the words of Solomon Adeola, senator representing Lagos west, back in April.
The bill, which was introduced during the heat of the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), generated controversies.
The legislature was forced to shelve it in the early days, but a similar bill was later reintroduced. With Thursday’s development, the matter has been put to rest.
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Here are seven things about the bill:
- Peter Nwaoboshi, lawmaker representing Delta North senatorial district, sponsored it in April.
- The bill passed second reading 48 hours after it was first read, making legislators who were opposed to it to stage a walkout.
- Actual amendments to the Act were done by the house of representatives and passed on May 31.
- Under the amendment, the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), cannot immediately refer a matter to the CCT without giving a public officer a notice; one of the contentions of Saraki.
- The amendment has stripped the president of the authority to confer powers on the CCB and CCT.
- One of the arguments of Saraki at the CCT was that the tribunal wasn’t properly constituted. He had faulted the handling of his case by only Danladi Umar, chairman of the CCT, saying three members of the CCT ought to sit in any judgment. The amendment has taken care of that.
- Despite the amendment, Saraki’s trial will go on because the laws are not retroactive.
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