CG Hameed Ali at the plenary today

 

The Nigerian Senate has told Customs boss Hameed Ali to go and re-appear before it on Wednesday, March 22 in his uniform as Comptroller-General of the body.

 

The Senate had earlier admitted Ali into the upper house of legislature's chambers on Thursday, March 16 and questioned him on why he has been defying its directive to dress properly for his appearance.

 

Hameed Ali said he was not aware of any law that states he should wear uniform but he is consulting with his lawyers over the matter. But the senators were not pleased with his submission.

 

 

Although Senator Magnus Abe pleaded with him to wear his uniform, other senators disagreed.

 

Senator George Sekibo moved that Ali be sent out of the chambers to return at a later date but in his uniform. He was seconded by Senator Barnabas Gemade, who said the CG had to present a good example to other leaders of various government institutions and agencies in the country.

 

Ali decided to show up before the senators on Thursday after the upper house of legislature resolved to issue a warrant for his arrest if he did not show up today.

 

The senators had, on Wednesday, March 15, during a plenary, unanimously passed a motion to issue the warrant that will compel Ali appear before it on Thursday, March 16.

 

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu presiding over the plenary

 

The Senate decision came after Ali failed to make an appearance before the Red Chamber on Wednesday. He had in a letter told the Senate that he (Ali) would not be able to appear before it because he was bereaved. Nigerians are of the opinion that the Nigerian constitution should be revised to take care of loopholes like the one Hameed Ali is exploiting to shun wearing of uniform as head of a para-military agency.

 

Others feel the Customs chief should be left alone because it appears that the Senate is over-reaching its functions.

 

Hameed Ali on arrival at the senate