CCT: We may vacate order suspending CAC boss

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) says it may vacate the temporary order directing Azuka Azinge to step aside as acting registrar-general of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Azinge was arraigned before the tribunal on December 23 on an 11-count charge bordering false declaration of assets.

She was also accused of receiving allowances she was not entitled to as head of the agency.

The CCT had issued the temporary order of suspension on December 28, 2019, following an ex parte application filed by the federal government.

However, at the resumed session on Monday, Abiodun Owonikoko, counsel to the defendant, informed the tribunal that the defence was not aware of the ex parte application or served with a notice to appear on Monday.

Owonikoko prayed the tribunal for an adjournment to enable him respond to the motion on notice which he said was served on him on arrival at the tribunal.

In reaction to Owonikoko’s complaints, Julie Anabor, a member of the CCT panel, said the previous order might be vacated.

“The order was given by this tribunal is an interim order and not perpetual. All the counter and better affidavit put together would be looked into and the interim order can be vacated,” she said.

The tribunal chairman granted the request and adjourned the matter till January 29, for the hearing of the motion on notice.

After the suspension of Azinge by the tribunal, the federal government appointed Saratu Shafii as acting registrar-general of the agency.