Some civil society organisations (CSOs) in Onitsha, Anambra state, staged a protest on Wednesday, requesting for the resignation of Hameed Ali, the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).
Osazee Edigin, public relations officer of Edo Civil Society Organisations, related the development, stating that civil society groups from Edo state were duly represented at the protest.
“Protest for the sack of Customs boss ongoing in Onitsha by coalition of civil society groups in Nigeria. Edo Civil Society Organizations duly represented,” Edigin wrote via Facebook.
The customs boss has been in the eye of the storm, following requests by the senate for his appearance at the national assembly in uniform, after the introduction of a controversial customs duty on vehicle owners.
NCS has since reversed the new policy, but Ali insists on not appearing before the senate on Wednesday, adding that he was seeking legal counsel on whether to wear Customs uniform or not.
“May I respectfully refer to your letter dated 9 March and inform Your Excellency that the decision on payment of customs duties by vehicle owners who do not have them as prescribed by law is currently being reviewed. The goal of the review is to take a broad additional input from the stakeholders and the public. I will welcome the opportunity to avail the senate of our findings,” Ali wrote.
“Regarding to wearing of uniform, I wish to advice that the senate avails itself of the legal basis of its decision to compel me to wear uniform. I am similarly taking legal advice on this issue so that both the senate and I will operate within the proper legal framework.”
He has been asked to show up at the Senate on Thursday (today) unfailingly.
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