In a significant judicial development, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Tuesday administered the oath of office to Mainasara Kogo, formally inaugurating him as the new Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Supreme Court Complex in Abuja, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the tribunal, which adjudicates cases of public officers accused of breaching Nigeria’s Code of Conduct laws.
“Justice Above Self,” CJN Tells Kogo
In her address, Justice Kekere-Ekun charged Kogo to uphold the highest ideals of justice, fairness, and moral courage, warning him to remain steadfast in the face of political or personal pressures.
“The office you now occupy demands a person of sound judgment, unshakeable independence, and the moral courage to do what is right, regardless of whose interests are at stake,” she said.
The CJN noted that matters before the CCT often involve “high-stakes and sensitive issues touching the very soul of public trust.” She reminded the new chairman that his ultimate loyalty must be to the Constitution, the Nigerian people, and the cause of justice, not to any individual or interest group.
“The trust placed in you is a trust on behalf of the nation and must never be compromised or traded for personal or political gain,” she warned. “You must uphold the law without fear or favour, affection or ill will. Let your actions inspire confidence in the institution you now lead.”
Kogo Pledges Fairness, Integrity, and Reform
In his response, Mainasara Kogo expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his appointment and to the judiciary for the confidence reposed in him.
He pledged to uphold the rule of law and maintain public confidence in the tribunal’s work.
“I am determined to ensure that justice is not only done but manifestly seen to be done,” Kogo said. “I will uphold the highest standards of justice with courage, fairness, and humility while strengthening institutional integrity within the tribunal.”
Kogo succeeds Danladi Umar, who chaired the tribunal from 2011 until 2024. Umar’s tenure was dogged by controversy and corruption allegations, particularly following a 2021 incident in which he allegedly assaulted a security guard in Abuja—an episode that drew public outrage and led both the Senate and House of Representatives to call for his removal.
Kogo’s appointment is seen as an opportunity to rebuild public trust in the CCT, an institution central to Nigeria’s anti-corruption and ethics enforcement framework.
Observers say his leadership will be pivotal in determining whether the tribunal can reclaim its credibility and assert its independence in the nation’s broader fight against corruption.
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