BREAKING: Senate enters closed session as Customs boss, Hameed Ali arrives in mufti

Ali arrives House of Assembly in Mufti

The Punch has just reported that Comptroller-General of
Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd.) has flouted the order of the
Nigerian Senate that he should appear before the upper house of legislature in
the uniform of the service.

The Customs Boss was allegedly sighted in the National
Assembly Complex today, Thursday, March 16, in a traditional attire (white in colour).

This is opposing to the directive of the Senate which had
insisted on several occasions that he must appear before the legislators in
uniform depicting his rank as the DG.

Recall that there was noise in the Senate on Wednesday,
March 15 after failing to show up but rather sent a letter, saying he could not
appear before the lawmakers because he was bereaved.

But the Senators pushed that aside and called on the Senate
leadership to force Ali to appear before it on Thursday, March 16 or risk being
arrested.

Some of the legislators who kicked at Ali’s decision maintained
that the institution cannot afford to join issues with him but will make him to
do as the lawmakers want.

Senator Sekibo moved the motion that Ali be mandated to
appear before the Senate as stated in the constitution. Sekibo was supported by
the deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu

However, on Thursday, March 16, the lawmakers entered a
closed door meeting at 10:45am, shortly after the plenary commenced.

It was unclear at press time, if the closed session was
organised because of Hameed Ali’s insubordination or not.