Why Customs boss won’t appear before Senate

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Comptroller General, Hameed Ali, will no longer appear before the Senate on Wednesday following a law suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja on Tuesday.

The Senate had on Thursday walked Ali out from its chamber over his refusal to be properly kitted in the service uniform of the customs.

The lawmakers insisted he return to the chamber in uniform on Wednesday March 22 at 10am prompt.

However, in a suit filed by a lawyer, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim and marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/207/2017, he prayed that the status quo be maintained, pending the determination of the matter before it.

Among other issues, the plaintiff argued that it was not within the powers of the Senate to dictate to Ali, who was appointed by the President pursuant to the President’s powers under sections 5 and 171 of the Constitution, how to conduct himself.

Recall that a human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), had branded as illegal and not justified by the constitution, the summoning of Ali by the Senate.

According him, the Senate has no authority to invite Ali on the reason of challenging the policy of the NCS on payment of duties.

NSC spokesperson, Joseph Attah, who confirmed Ali will not be appearing before the senators, explained that the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, had written the customs boss advising him to stay away from the senate, pending the determination of the suit filed.

According to Attah, Malami’s action is based on a writ of summons filed by the lawyer in Abuja.

He also explained that the Senate had been copied with Malami’s advice to Ali.

The face- off between Ali and the Senators is being viewed by many as a show of might between the executive and the legislative arm of government, even as the ruling party, uncomfortable with the seeming fight, has drafted its national chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun to broker peace between both parties.

Allegations have also emerged that the Senate move to frustrate Ali may not be unconnected with his insistence that due process be followed in the purchase of a bullet proof Range Rover SUV said to be meant for the use of the Senate president Bukola Saraki.

The car was impounded by the customs boss when the clearing agent allegedly tried to invade payment of the necessary duties by presenting fake documents, and a covering note for the National Assembly.

The Senate President has since denied being involved in any move to under cut Customs processes and procedures.