Gabriel Udeh, Kaduna
In what looks like outright disobedience to the country’s rule of law, the Comptroller General of Nigeria’s Custom Service, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) has refused to reinstate Abdullahi Bello Gusau who was forcefully retired Seven months after an order from the Nigeria’s Supreme Court.
Kakaaki Reporters understands that Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) refused to comply even with the judgement of the Supreme Court with impunity.
The Custom boss was mandated by judgment of Supreme Court to reinstate Mr. Bello Gusau back into the Nigeria Customs Services on grounds that his retirement from the Service violated all constitutional procedure and requirements.
Supreme court, in a copy of the judgement delivered in April, 7, 2017, by Justice Ejembi Eko, and made available to journalists in Kaduna, affirmed Appeal Court judgement including the consequential orders mandating the Customs boss to reinstate the staff.
The Court also made declarations that the purported retirement of the plaintiff (Bellow Gusau) by the second defendant (Customs) is unlawful, malicious, irregular and fragrant violation of the plaintiff right of employment until the mandatory retirement age.
Supreme court’s 5-man panels of Judges, headed by CJN, Walter S.N Onnoghen, also made an order affirming Appeal court judgement and the purported retirement of the plaintiff by 1st and 2nd defendant’s public notice as unlawful.
The Court therefore ordered the defendant to allow Gusau resume work and also maintain his positions as Comptroller of Customs and be paid all his benefits and emoluments as well as enjoy his lawful promotions.
The Attorney General of Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) had written many letters to the CG advising him to comply with the judgement but were equally disregarded.
The Minister of Justice in a letter dated April 25th 2017, with reference no. PE.1/S.221/P.66, advised the Customs boss to comply with the orders of supreme court, but same were ignored.
Kakaaki Reporters learnt that the judgement has been served on the CG of customs on the 10th, 13th, and 21st days of April, 2017, respectively, and also acknowledged receipts, but same was not complied with.
Till the time of filing this report, the customs was yet to formalize the reinstatement and promotion of Comptroller Gusau, even as his salary arrears, emoluments and other entitlements have also not been paid to him.
Contacted, Compt. Gusau explained that when he reported at the headquarters after Supreme Court judgement, the legal adviser and secretary to NCS board said they were going to write and serve him with retirement letter, instead of formalizing the reinstatement and promotion.
Kakaaki Reporters gathered that the Custom Boss has no regard to his supervisory Minister of Finace, Kemi Adeosun with impunity, as he now takes directive from President Muhammadu Buhari.
