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Torkwase Nyiekaa
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Hon. James Faleke, has underscored the critical role of the civil service in Nigeria’s development, saying the country would make greater progress if public servants remain committed to due process and professional standards regardless of political pressures.
Faleke made the remarks in Abuja on the sidelines of the launch of a book titled The Nigerian Legislature: A Practical Guide for Lawmakers, authored by Mr. Oscar Okoro, Clerk of the House Committee on Finance, as part of activities marking his 60th birthday and retirement from the National Assembly service.
The lawmaker described the retiring clerk as a dedicated and principled public servant whose career should serve as a model for younger generations entering public service.
According to him, the strength of governance institutions depends largely on the integrity and competence of career civil servants who provide continuity and technical expertise beyond political transitions.
“The civil service mainly, they build the country. They are the technocrats. They are the people that we, politicians rely on.
“And if the civil servant decide to get this done properly, I think the country will better off. Even when the politician says let us do it the other way and he says no, let us follow the rules. I think Nigeria will better off.
“It is about dedication to the development of Nigeria, when you trust and believe in the country, you will want to see the success of the country,” Faleke said.
He praised Okoro’s work ethic and commitment to duty, noting that throughout their years of working together, the retiring clerk consistently demonstrated professionalism and an uncommon focus on results rather than personal gain.
“Okoro is a very, very hardworking guy, unlike others, he is not money conscious, he just wants to see things accordingly and appreciably.
“And for every time I push him hard, he works harder; I believe he is going to succeed very well in his retirement, so I wish him luck, and I pray that the family would not get the better of him,” he added.
Also speaking, Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Abubakar Saidu, said his relationship with Okoro had evolved beyond official interactions into a family bond, describing him as a consummate professional whose conduct offers valuable lessons for younger public servants.
“He is very dedicated, very patient, he is a professional, excellent and committed as well as exemplary when it comes to the job,” Saidu said.
The House Spokesman, Hon. Akin Rotimi, similarly paid tribute to Okoro, describing him as a model public servant whose career embodied integrity, diligence and selfless service to the National Assembly and the nation.
“My encouragement to people in service is that, this is the kind of person to model and pattern their careers after, people that have integrity and diligence their watch word,” Rotimi said.
While acknowledging that institutional mechanisms exist within the legislature to develop future leaders and professionals, Rotimi noted that Okoro’s departure would leave a significant gap given his wealth of experience and institutional knowledge.
In his response, Okoro attributed his achievements and successful career to divine grace, hard work and adherence to enduring values.
Reflecting on his years in public service, he advised younger Nigerians to embrace patience, humility and dedication as essential ingredients for success.
“You have to know your onions, be hardworking, be patient, humble and respectful; if these are lacking, you are bound to fail either in the National Assembly or anywhere in life,” he said.
The retiring clerk disclosed that he intends to return to legal practice and consultancy while dedicating more time to mentoring younger generations and serving God.
Earlier, the reviewer of the book, Professor Kabir Danladi of the Department of Public Law, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, described the publication as a reflection of the author’s commitment to public service and legislative development over the course of his 27-year career.
According to the professor, the 335-page book provides a practical and institutional guide to Nigeria’s legislature, with particular focus on the workings of the National Assembly.
He explained that the publication examines the constitutional foundations of the legislature, its internal structures, legislative procedures, oversight functions and interactions with the executive and judiciary.
Danladi noted that the book is organised into nine chapters covering the historical evolution of legislative institutions, constitutional principles and practical, step-by-step guidance on legislative processes.
He stressed the importance of reading in personal and national development, urging lawmakers, public officials and citizens alike to engage with the book to deepen their understanding of legislative practice and democratic governance.
The event brought together lawmakers, parliamentary officials, academics, family members and associates who gathered to celebrate Okoro’s contributions to legislative administration and public service, while reflecting on the enduring role of a professional civil service in strengthening democratic institutions and national development.