By Mercy Gadia
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, James Faleke, has said Nigeria would achieve greater development if civil servants remain committed to due process and professional standards, regardless of political pressure.
Faleke stated this on the sidelines of the launch of a book titled The Nigerian Legislature: A Practical Guide for Lawmakers, authored by Oscar Okoro, Clerk of the House Committee on Finance, in Abuja.
The event also marked Okoro’s 60th birthday and retirement from the National Assembly service.
The lawmaker described civil servants as the backbone of governance, stressing that their integrity and professionalism are critical to national development.
“The civil service mainly, they build the country. They are the technocrats. They are the people that we, politicians rely on,” Faleke said.
“And if the civil servant decide to get this done properly, I think the country will be 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 be better off.”
He added that dedication and patriotism remain essential values for national progress.
“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,” he added.
Faleke also praised Okoro, describing him as a principled and hardworking public servant.
“Okoro is a very, very hardworking guy. Unlike others, he is not money conscious, he just wants to see things done accordingly and appreciably.
“For every time I push him hard, he works harder. I believe he is going to succeed very well in his retirement,” he said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Abubakar Saidu, described Okoro as a dedicated professional whose conduct should serve as a guide to 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.
Similarly, the House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi, described Okoro as a model civil servant who demonstrated integrity and diligence throughout his career.
“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 as their watchword,” Rotimi said.
Rotimi, however, noted that Okoro’s retirement would leave a significant gap in the system due to his vast experience.
In his remarks, Okoro attributed his successful career to hard work, discipline and divine grace.
He advised younger Nigerians to embrace patience, humility and dedication.
“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.
Okoro disclosed that he plans to return to legal practice and consultancy, while also mentoring younger professionals.
Earlier, the book reviewer, Kabir Danladi, a Professor of Public Law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, described the publication as a significant contribution to legislative studies.
He said the 335-page book provides practical insights into the workings of the National Assembly, including legislative procedures, oversight functions and institutional structures.
Danladi noted that the book, organised into nine chapters, also explores the historical evolution of legislative institutions and constitutional principles guiding lawmaking.
He urged lawmakers, public officials and citizens to cultivate a reading culture to deepen their understanding of governance and democratic processes.
The event was attended by lawmakers, parliamentary staff, academics, family members and associates, who gathered to celebrate Okoro’s contributions to public service.