Controller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, retired Colonel Hameed Ali has arrived the National Assembly.
But Ali is wearing a white kaftan and not Customs uniform as ordered by the Senate.
Ali had been summoned by the Senate for questioning on the controversial vehicle duty now susupended by Customs.
On arrival, Ali met with the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.
He was accompanied to Ekweremadu’s office by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang.
After about five minutes in Ekweremadu’s office, he left for Enang’s office.
Ekweremadu is presiding at the plenary, which is now in closed-door session.
On His arrival at the Senate Plenary, this debate ensued:
DSP, Ike Ekweremadu thanks the CG @CustomsNG for honouring Senate's invitation & asks why he is not wearing the Customs uniform.— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 16, 2017
DSP: Please oblige us if you have any reason for not wearing the Customs uniform & the CG says no law against him not wearing Uniform— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 16, 2017
The circular issued by the CG @CustomsNG stating to the Senate that he won't wear his uniform is derogoratory. - Sen. Ibn Na'Allah.— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 16, 2017
Sen. Na'Allah cites Sectns 7,8 &10 of the Customs Act which states that the Customs shares same privileges with police and other instutions.— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 16, 2017
"CG needs to go & apply the law of the land by wearing uniform before he addresses us, as stipulated in our constitution"- Sen B. Jibrin— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 16, 2017
Sen.@YAYIAdeola says anyone can wear the Customs uniform and appear as the CG @CustomsNG.— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 16, 2017
Sen. Ali Wakili says the Senate should temper justice with mercy, "he is a man of integrity, we would liase with CG @CustomsNG ".— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 16, 2017
Sen. Magnus Abe pleads with the CG @CustomsNG to wear his uniform to preserve the image of the Customs and perception of other institutions.— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 16, 2017
Sen. George sekibo says the CG @CustomsNG must re-appear before the Senate in his uniform.— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 16, 2017
Sen. @BI_Gemade seconds and says it is respectable and important for the CG @CustomsNG to wear his uniform.— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) March 16, 2017
VIDEO: CG of Customs Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) walking towards the Senate chambers in mufti pic.twitter.com/IqGRFikU0g— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) March 16, 2017