Politics Hameed Ali: What Customs Law Says About Wearing Uniform

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On Thursday, the Nigerian Senate walked out the Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali for not appearing in uniform.

The Senators by a voice vote directed him to return to the senate on Wednesday, March 22 in proper uniform designated for the office of Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service.

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Shortly before the resolution, some senators expressed concern over Ali’s defiance of the National Assembly by appearing in mufti despite the letter sent to him, specifying that he should appear in uniform. Ali appearance at the Red Chambers was hinged on him to give explanations on the proposed duty payment on vehicles imported into Nigeria.

On, this there have been several divisions as to whether the Customs Boss, a former military administrator, is mandated by law as the top official to wear uniform or not. His car and aircraft carry the official logo of Customs but he wears mufti. Also, his salary is as 'Customs' Boss. But he wears mufti.



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The Deputy Leader of the Senate, Bala N’Allah yesterday said Ali's defiance was a slap on the Senate, as an institution. N’Allah who quoted Section 10 of the Customs Act, among other sections, said the section was clear about punishment for unlawful behaviour of any officer, “including any person who assumes the name, designation or character of an officer.

“The Act further states that the power to prosecute is that of executive and certain officers including CG has that power.

“This implies that your position is statutory, meaning you must conform to the Act.

“Besides, wearing a uniform is anchored in the Constitution.

What does Customs Act says about wearing uniforms?

According to sections seven, eight and 10 of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA), “for the purpose of carrying out or enforcing the provisions of the customs and excise laws, all officers shall have the same powers, authorities and privileges as are given by law to police officers”.

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The Customs Act is silent on wearing uniforms, as customs officers, but the link with the police, may be interpreted to mean that an officer should don the uniform for official duties.

However, the Act defines an “officer” as “any person employed in the Nigerian Customs Service, or for the time being performing duties in relation to customs or excise”. By this definition, Ali is the number one officer at NCS, and officers wear uniforms.
 

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The Senate has lost the substance and is chasing shadow.

As stated, the power to enFORCE is with the executive.

Why is the Senate not considering the use passive force or the power of persuasion.
 
Its not trivial, so why cant Hameed Ali just identify with the customs. As much as I dislike the senate, the attitude of the Customs Boss simply reflects the general attitude that the retired but recycled military men (most of whom are not yet democrats) still have.
He should respect the Senate and stop making Buhari look bad.
Those guys like pursuing trivial issues.
 
Its not trivial, so why cant Hameed Ali just identify with the customs. As much as I dislike the senate, the attitude of the Customs Boss simply reflects the general attitude that the retired but recycled military men (most of whom are not yet democrats) still have.
He should respect the Senate and stop making Buhari look bad.

Will the uniform in some way affect how he discharges his duties as Customs CG?

The senators are just barking. They want to feel important. Why didn't they tell Sports Minister Dalung not to always wear that horrible red beret? Is it part of his official garbs?
 
Will the uniform in some way affect how he discharges his duties as Customs CG?

The senators are just barking. They want to feel important. Why didn't they tell Sports Minister Dalung not to always wear that horrible red beret? Is it part of his official garbs?

You don't compare a paramilitary officer with a civilian.

If Hameed can receive Customs appointment, he should be able to lead by example. What happens, if a senior officer in Customs refused to wear uniform to high ranking meeting of the NCS? You cannot be superior than the office you man.

Besides, there are other options available for Hameed Ali to honorably follow.
 
Will the uniform in some way affect how he discharges his duties as Customs CG?

The senators are just barking. They want to feel important. Why didn't they tell Sports Minister Dalung not to always wear that horrible red beret? Is it part of his official garbs?
since uniform doesnt matter, why dont we just stop d entire customs, FRSC etc from wearing uniform? I mean they can all discharge their duties without uniforms.
Whether you think the senators are credible, barking or not is immaterial, the SENATE is an institution and is still serving with the authority we gave it.
 
Will the uniform in some way affect how he discharges his duties as Customs CG?

The senators are just barking. They want to feel important. Why didn't they tell Sports Minister Dalung not to always wear that horrible red beret? Is it part of his official garbs?
And, in any case, Sports Ministry don't have uniform.
 
You don't compare a paramilitary officer with a civilian.

If Hameed can receive Customs appointment, he should be able to lead by example. What happens, if a senior officer in Customs refused to wear uniform to high ranking meeting of the NCS? You cannot be superior than the office you man.

Besides, there are other options available for Hameed Ali to honorably follow.

And I may also not be able to differentiate him from a junior official as well.
 
Its not trivial, so why cant Hameed Ali just identify with the customs. As much as I dislike the senate, the attitude of the Customs Boss simply reflects the general attitude that the retired but recycled military men (most of whom are not yet democrats) still have.
He should respect the Senate and stop making Buhari look bad.
since uniform doesnt matter, why dont we just stop d entire customs, FRSC etc from wearing uniform? I mean they can all discharge their duties without uniforms.
Whether you think the senators are credible, barking or not is immaterial, the SENATE is an institution and is still serving with the authority we gave it.

Valid.
 
The Senate has lost the substance and is chasing shadow.

As stated, the power to enFORCE is with the executive.

Why is the Senate not considering the use passive force or the power of persuasion.

Do you think they also lost substance when they rejected Magu?
 
since uniform doesnt matter, why dont we just stop d entire customs, FRSC etc from wearing uniform? I mean they can all discharge their duties without uniforms.
Whether you think the senators are credible, barking or not is immaterial, the SENATE is an institution and is still serving with the authority we gave it.

Is the senate a law enforcement agency?
 
Do you think they also lost substance when they rejected Magu?
The senators didn't asked Magu to wear police uniform or to maintain a certain posture while in their presence but they went ahead to ask questions and declined Magu's appointment on a substantive report they received from the DSS.
 
The senators didn't asked Magu to wear police uniform or to maintain a certain posture while in their presence but they went ahead to ask questions and declined Magu's appointment on a substantive report they received from the DSS.
Was Magu being screened for position of Police IG ?
 
do they wear that to the office or for field operations?
Nether is the National Assembly a border post nor the senators are containers to be inspected.

There are issues still begging the NASS for answers #wardrobe allowance, #OpenNass #Custom duty - but not one man in administrative position that must forcefully wear uniform.
Txs
 
Nether is the National Assembly a border post nor the senators are containers to be inspected.

There are issues still begging the NASS for answers #wardrobe allowance, #OpenNass #Custom duty - but not one man in administrative position that must forcefully wear uniform.
Txs
Custom officers wear their uniforms to everything work related . Office, meetings, everywhere
 
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