President Bola Tinubu has designated Dr. Abdullahi Bello as the new Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), pending confirmation by the Senate. Bello’s appointment follows the tenure of Prof Isah Mohammed, who was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2018.
The announcement of Bello’s appointment was made in a statement issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled ‘President Tinubu appoints new Chairman of Code of Conduct Bureau.’ Ngelale hailed Bello as “a consummate professional with more than 25 years of work experience in consulting, banking, law enforcement, financial services, and academia.”
Established in 1979, the Code of Conduct Bureau gained legal recognition under the Babangida regime in 1989 through the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, Chapter 58 LFN 1990. The Bureau’s mandate includes receiving asset declarations from public officers, examining these declarations, retaining custody of them, and making them available for public inspection under terms set by the National Assembly.
President Tinubu expressed his expectations for the new Chairman, emphasizing the importance of leading the Bureau with integrity to uphold its mandate of maintaining high standards of public morality in government conduct. He urged Bello to ensure that the actions and behavior of public officers align with the highest standards of morality and accountability.
Dr. Abdullahi Bello’s appointment has generated considerable interest and scrutiny, given the pivotal role of the Code of Conduct Bureau in upholding ethical standards in public service. With a background spanning various sectors including consulting, banking, law enforcement, financial services, and academia, Bello brings a wealth of experience to the position.
As Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Bello will be tasked with overseeing the bureau’s operations and ensuring compliance with ethical standards among public officers. His leadership will be crucial in fostering transparency, accountability, and integrity in government affairs, thereby strengthening public trust and confidence in governance.
The appointment of Dr. Abdullahi Bello comes at a time when Nigeria faces numerous challenges in governance, including concerns about corruption, nepotism, and ethical lapses among public officials. By appointing a seasoned professional with a proven track record, President Tinubu aims to instill confidence in the Bureau’s ability to fulfill its mandate effectively.
The Code of Conduct Bureau plays a vital role in promoting good governance and combating corruption by holding public officers accountable for their actions. With Dr. Abdullahi Bello at the helm, the Bureau is poised to continue its efforts in safeguarding the integrity of public institutions and promoting ethical conduct in government.
As Bello awaits confirmation by the Senate, stakeholders and the public alike will closely monitor his leadership of the Code of Conduct Bureau. His tenure will be scrutinized for his commitment to upholding ethical standards, promoting transparency, and ensuring accountability among public officers.
In conclusion, Dr. Abdullahi Bello’s appointment as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to promoting integrity and accountability in government. With his extensive experience and proven leadership qualities, Bello is poised to steer the Bureau towards fulfilling its mandate of upholding ethical standards in public service.
