Hameed Ali, the comptroller general of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), has arrived at the national assembly complex, but not in customs uniform as requested by the senate.
Earlier, the senate had requested that Ali appears before it, in customs uniform, which Ali had rejected on two occasions, saying he was not appointed to wear uniform.
On Thursday however, Ali finally appeared before the senate in white native attire and a white cap.
It will be recalled that the senate had summoned Ali to appear before it in uniform over customs’ plan to seize vehicles without paid duty, which Ali had rejected, saying he was not appointed to wear uniform.
Earlier on Tuesday, he wrote to the senate, saying he would not be available on the day.
The senate reaffirmed its resolution to summon Ali. A few hours after the upper legislative chamber had adjourned its sitting, Ali sent a letter to Saraki, saying the decision on payment of customs duty by vehicle owners who do not have them, was being reviewed.
“May I respectfully refer to your letter dated 9 March and inform Your Excellency that the decision on payment of customs duties by vehicle owners who do not have them as prescribed by law is currently being reviewed. The goal of the review is to take a broad additional input from the stakeholders and the public. I will welcome the opportunity to avail the senate of our findings,” Ali wrote.
“Regarding to wearing of uniform, I wish to advice that the senate avails itself of the legal basis of its decision to compel me to wear uniform. I am similarly taking legal advice on this issue so that both the senate and I will operate within the proper legal framework.”
Although, in the letter, he said would not honour the invitation of the senate at this time, owing to “bereavement.
Ali had failed to appear before the senate on two occasions, citing the need to attend a management meeting as his initial reason for failing to honour the senate’s resolution.
