THE ROLE OF CODE OF CONDUCT TRIBUNAL: EXAMINATION OF ITS POWERS AND LIMITATIONS UNDER THE NIGERIAN LEGAL SYSTEM.

Abstract

This research work reviews the role of the Code of Conduct Tribunal in the Nigerian legal system. The Tribunal eestablished in 1989, the Code of Conduct Tribunal is a strikingly unique adjudicatory body created to strengthen integrity in public service by enforcing the Code of Conduct for Public Officers. While the Tribunal shares overlapping jurisdiction with ordinary courts in relation to some criminal offences. These features make the Tribunal a specially designed vehicle for fighting public sector corruption and abuse of office in Nigeria. In the context of its current legal framework, the Code of Conduct Tribunal will not likely achieve its mission or make much of an impact in curtailing abuses of public office, whether through corruption or other unethical or illicit conduct by public officers. The current controversies that have befallen the Tribunal, mirror, in fact, the inherent weaknesses of an institutional framework that needs to be urgently re-thought and re-framed. Even if the present crop of the Tribunal's leadership exits the scene, it will be a matter of time before a similar situation re-enacts again if things remain the way they are. A number of structural reforms need to be undertaken to make the Code of Conduct Tribunal function as an independent, effective anti-corruption institution. This research work will evaluate the challenges of the Code of Conduct Tribunal and offer recommendations.

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urn:uuid:82380151-2ef6-41da-8281-a4161cc1f786