CRITIQUE OF THE POWERS AND AUTHORITY OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT TRIBUNAL
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Every government whether military or civilian has always fought against corruption. This was majorly on the public servants. This explained why in most countries, especially in Nigeria, there were expectations from ordinary citizens that governments at all levels should establish and deliver probity; higher standards of integrity in the civil service and agencies of government. Consequently, as a result of this expectation, came the establishment of the Code of Conduct Tribunal. The Code of Conduct Tribunal and the Code of Conduct Bureau are complementary institutions established by the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act 2004. The primary aim and objectives of the research topic is to critique the powers and authority of the Code of Conduct Tribunal and by extension, some other related bodies established by Federal Government of Nigeria to fight corruption. Doctrinal method of research was used in this work. Statutes including subsidiary legislation, conventions were used in this research. The judicial authorities are acknowledged in the footnotes. All source materials are documented as work cited. The method of appointment, removal of members, powers of members and the independence of the Tribunal were examined and discussed fully. The role of other related bodies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, the Public Complaints Commission are discussed. The research observed that civil servants are expected to maintain and strengthen public trust and confidence in government. The Code of Conduct Tribunal and others were established to checkmate abuses of office and to ensure accountability in public service. The research recommends the need for the jurisdiction of the Code of Conduct Tribunal to be properly defined and that the appointment of the heads of anti-graft agencies like the Code of Conduct Tribunal by the President be stopped to make the agency truly independent.