EU, UNODC Back CCT on Code of Ethics, Practice Directions

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) with support from the European Union funded “Support to Anti-corruption in Nigeria” Project implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is holding a two-day roundtable consultative process to develop ‘Practice Directions and a Code of Ethics’ to address the challenge of delays of trials before it and improve integrity amongst its staff.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Sylvester Tunde Atere, Outreach and Communications Officer, United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), Abuja.

The statement said the development of these two policy documents are contained in the strategic plan of the CCT. The two-day event, which holds July 11-12 in Abuja, will also feature the handover of books to the Tribunal by the project.

Code of Conduct Tribunal has since its inception been using several rules of procedure including the Code of Conduct Tribunal Rules of Procedure, supplemented by the Criminal Procedure Code Act and the Penal Code Act, which have now been repealed. Some procedural challenges have been encountered by the Tribunal which have affected it proceedings, resulting in delays in the disposal of cases.

Developing a Code of Ethics for the Tribunal is aimed at promoting efficient administration and good governance; creating a culture of accountability, openness and transparency in implementing its mandate. The Tribunal was established in 1989 and is empowered by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to adjudicate over cases emanating from violation of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.