It was drama at the Senate on Thursday when the Comptroller General (C-G) of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) appeared before it in mufti. His appearance in mufti was viewed by many senators as an affront on the institution of the senate and he was via a voice vote directed to go and return in proper Customs uniform befitting his rank on Wednesday, March 22.
Before the resolution, some senators took turns to express concern over Ali’s defiance of the National Assembly by appearing in mufti despite the letter sent to him, specifying that he should appear in uniform.
The Deputy Leader of the Senate, Bala N’Allah said letters were sent to the C-G to appear before the senate to give explanations on the proposed duty payment on vehicles imported into Nigeria.
He further expressed his disappointment with the C-G, who in a response to the invitation letter, said that the National Assembly should not be concerned about whether he wears the uniform, once he performs his duties.
N’Allah said the response was a slap on the Senate, as an institution.
N’Allah who quoted Section 10 of the Customs Act, among other sections, said the section was clear about punishment for unlawful behaviour of any officer, “including any person who assumes the name, designation or character of an officer.
“The Act further states that the power to prosecute is that of executive and certain officers including CG has that power.
“This implies that your position is statutory, meaning you must conform to the Act.
“Besides, wearing uniform is anchored in the Constitution.
On the C-G’s excuse that he was seeking legal advice on the insistence of the senate that he should wear uniform, the deputy leader of the senate said the C-G ought to have sought legal advice before deciding not to wear uniform.
He said the senate, as the highest law-making institution, would not allow anybody to ridicule it, even though it remains supportive of President Muhammadu Buhari’s good intentions for the country.
Sen. Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano) said there was no need to subject the disobedience of the C-G to a long discussion.
According to him, the house should vote to insist that he goes back and “comply by wearing uniform before appearing here.’’
Sen. Solomon Adeola(APC-Ogun) said it was only proper for the C-G to comply, adding that it was a matter of concern that he was not proud wearing Customs uniform.
“All other persons that followed him here are fully dressed in the Customs uniform.
“With what is happening, anybody can wear anything and present himself or herself as the Comptroller General. So, I don’t know who is standing here before us.
His car and aircraft carry the official logo of Customs but he wears mufti.
Sen. Ali Wakili said he had met with the C-G before now.
He suggested that since he was not ready to wear uniform, his title should be changed to “Sole Administrator.’’
He however appealed to the senate to allow him and other lawmakers interface with Ali on the matter.
The Customs boss said the senate letter dated March, 15 did not stipulate he wear a uniform before appearing.
He further said he was already seeking legal interpretation to the wearing of uniform.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary said it was proper for the C-G to wear uniform as a form of motivation for other officers.
He also explained to him, that though the letter dated March 5 did not indicate the wearing of uniform, the condition was included in previous letters. Ekweremadu said Ali did not have a good excuse to defy the senate..
“Section 2 of the Customs Act defines the officer to include C-G.
“I believe too that there are certain things officers take for granted which is wearing uniform. They should learn from you.
“With your refusal to wear uniform, they can also refuse to wear uniform, saying there is no law that compels them to wear uniform.
“There is no better teacher than living by example.
“Also, you suspended the vehicle policy. It does not mean you will not come back to it, since it is only a suspension”.
Ekweremadu said the senate was of the view that he return to the senate in the proper uniform of C-G of Customs.
