The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Mainasara Umar Kogo, has dismissed allegations of corruption, nepotism and abuse of office levelled against him, describing them as “blatant lies” and “misconceptions” allegedly fuelled by aggrieved staff members.
Kogo, who spoke in an audio response to recent reports alleging irregularities in the tribunal, including nepotistic recruitment, manipulation of judicial decisions and administrative misconduct, insisted that due process is strictly followed in all tribunal operations.
He specifically denied claims that he altered rulings of a three-member panel after court proceedings, stressing that decisions are collectively reached and signed by all panel members.
“I was accused of altering decision of a three-man panel, which was agreed during court proceedings. Let me tell you, this is a blatant lie,” he said.
According to him, no judgment of the tribunal is ever issued unilaterally, adding that all members must agree before pronouncements are made.
“We normally have to agree on anything before I pronounce. At the end of it, all of us will have to sign on the court ruling or judgment paper. There has never been even one that was written by me alone,” he added.
Reacting to concerns raised about staff allegations, Kogo said even SaharaReporters had acknowledged it could not independently verify claims of altered rulings, insisting the accusations lacked substance.
On allegations that he facilitated the employment of his wife, the tribunal chairman admitted that her name appeared in an employment list but maintained that the appointment was immediately reversed.
“They said the chairman said the appointment was not valid. Yes, it was not valid because some people erroneously employed my wife and I immediately denounced it,” he said.
He added that he directed that the appointment be withdrawn and that no salary or administrative processing be carried out in her name.
“A letter was written to the Accountant-General of the Federation asking him not to process anything regarding her. She is not a member of our staff,” he said.
Kogo also dismissed allegations of breaching federal character principles in recruitment, arguing that some of the processes predated his tenure and had received appropriate approvals.
On claims that he threatened staff dismissal, he clarified that his directive was related to enforcing discipline through attendance records rather than arbitrary sack threats.
“I didn’t say dismissal, but penalty. I only said they should use the attendance register as basis for promotion or disciplinary actions in line with civil service rules,” he said.
Addressing allegations surrounding the appointment of a Director of Finance and Accounts who is reportedly under EFCC investigation, Kogo said the Constitution presumes innocence until proven otherwise.
“Under Section 36, there is presumption of innocence. EFCC is only investigating him. By the time it gets to arraignment, I will sack him,” he stated.
He also denied allegations of financial misconduct and contract irregularities, insisting the tribunal operates under severe budgetary constraints and depends largely on overhead allocations for basic operations.
“Since our coming, we have never gotten one naira as capital project. The little we get is used for electricity, security and daily operations,” he said, adding that he sometimes personally funds tribunal activities.
On claims of missing vehicles and files, Kogo said he was unaware of such issues, while also denying allegations of excessive political appointments, stating that he had reduced his aides to only two.
He further highlighted what he described as infrastructural and administrative reforms under his leadership, including renovation of office facilities, provision of computers, clearance of pension arrears and introduction of staff allowances.
