I can’t appear before you, I have a meeting, Customs boss tells Senate

Hameed Ali

The Comptroller -General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), who has been summoned to appear before the Senate tomorrow, said on Tuesday that he cannot appear because he has a management meeting to attend.

Customs CG, Hameed Ali In a letter to the Senate and signed by an Assistant Comptroller – General, Hameed Ali asked the Senate to differ the date of his appearance against the backdrop that the summon coincides with the Routine Management meeting of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS.

The letter was read at plenary by the Clerk of the Senate.

The Senate however kicked against the position of the Customs boss, insisting that he must appear.

In his remarks, Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan who suggested that a new date be fixed for him to appear, however said that two wrongs cannot make a right.

Senator Lawan’s position was however kicked against by Senator James Manager, Delta South who urged the senators to be firm as the position of the upper chambers was being tested, adding that he met a very strong Senate, it is still strong and he would want to leave behind a very strong Senate.

Senator Manager’s position was unanimously taken by the Senators as Senate President Bukola Saraki who presided over plenary insisted that the customs boss must appear on Uniform tomorrow.

Senate President Saraki also announced that the Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu would appear before the Senate tomorrow for screening.

The Senate President also read a letter of resumption from President Muhammadu Buhari intimating the Senators that he has resumed his functions as the President of the country.