Senate replies Custom Boss: "You Must Appear Before Us In Uniform On Wednesday"

Senators appear set for a showdown with the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Hameed Ali, after lawmakers rejected Mr. Ali’s plan not to appear before them on Wednesday.


Mr. Ali had earlier informed the Senate through a letter that he would not appear as scheduled as he had the Customs management meeting already slated for the same Wednesday.

But senators rejected his excuse, saying he must appear unfailingly.

“The integrity of the Senate is being tested,” said James Manager, PDP-Delta, who also picked hole in the way the letter was addressed.

Senators approved a vote called by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, to reject Mr. Ali’s letter, and therefore mandated him "to appear in uniform tomorrow (Wednesday as scheduled) by 10:30 AM."

The Senate summoned Mr. Ali over Customs’ plan to impound vehicles that have no import duty clearance. It specifically asked him to a ppear in uniform.

Mr. Ali had defended himself, sayaing “I was not appointed Comptroller General to wear uniform,” he added that the senators should be concerned with his performance and not his outfit.