The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has denied a media report that its Comptroller General, Hameed Ali, collapsed on Wednesday and was flown abroad for medical treatment.
This was contained in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, signed by the Deputy Comptroller, Timi Bomodi, NCS Public Relations Officer.
He said the report was false as Mr. Ali was safe and sound and was on leave.
“The attention of the NCS has been brought to an online report that the Comptroller General of Customs has collapsed and was consequently transferred overseas for medical treatment.
“To set the record straight, Ali is safe and sound and not sick, as reported by the anonymous online media outlet.
“The GC, who throughout his tenure sacrificed his time and energy to advance this administration’s reform agenda, has had notable successes in restructuring and raising unprecedented revenues for the service.
“We know that some people are trying to take advantage of his absence as a result of well-earned official leave to stir up unnecessary controversy in politics.
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“This will not distract NCS management from carrying out its mandate as it seeks to rebuild a world-class institution worthy of the prayers and support of all Nigerians,” he said.
Mr. Bomodi assured all interested parties and well-intentioned Nigerians that all was well with the Comptroller General, warning that any misrepresentation would lead to legal consequences.
A media report claimed that the Comptroller General collapsed while praying on Wednesday and had been flown abroad on a customs plane for medical treatment.
(YAYA)