Ali arrives senate — still refuses to wear uniform

Hameed Ali, 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.

Ali arrived at the national assembly at in white native attire and a white cap.

Earlier, 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.

“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,” he said, via a letter to the senate.

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.

TheCable understands that President Muhammadu Buhari asked him to answer to the summons, after he wrote a letter to say he would not honour the invitation of the senate owing to “bereavement”.