By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Rep. James Faleke, has called on civil servants across the country to uphold integrity, professionalism and due process in the discharge of their duties, describing the public service as a critical pillar of national development.
Faleke made the call in Abuja during the launch of a book titled “The Nigerian Legislature: A Practical Guide for Lawmakers”, written by the retiring Clerk of the House Committee on Finance, Mr Oscar Okoro, as part of activities marking his 60th birthday and retirement from service. 
The lawmaker praised Okoro’s dedication, commitment and work ethic, describing him as a model civil servant whose career should serve as an inspiration to younger generations entering public service.
According to Faleke, civil servants occupy a strategic position in governance and have a responsibility to ensure that government processes are carried out in accordance with established rules and procedures.
He said: “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.
“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”.
Faleke noted that Nigeria will benefit greatly if public servants remained committed to professionalism and resisted pressures to circumvent established procedures.
Also speaking at the event, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Rep. Abubakar Saidu, said his relationship with Okoro had grown beyond official duties and evolved into a family bond over the years.
He described the retiring clerk as a consummate professional whose conduct and dedication to service should serve as a guide for younger public servants.
According to him:
“He is very dedicated, very patient, he is a professional, excellent and committed as well as exemplary when it comes to the job,” he said.
Saidu added that future generations of civil servants will have much to learn from Okoro’s approach to public service and his commitment to excellence.
In his remarks, House Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi, described Okoro as an outstanding public servant whose contributions to the National Assembly and the country would not be forgotten.
Rotimi commended him for what he described as years of meritorious service and dedication to legislative administration.
“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,” he said.
Rotimi said that though the system has inbuilt mentorship and leadership recruitment processes, Okoro’ wealth of experience and expertise will be greatly missed.
Responding, Okoro attributed his success in life to God Almighty saying that life itself is very difficult and cautious journey.
“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 said that he would return to legal practice, consultancy and dedicate the rest of his life to mentorship of younger generations and service to God.
Earlier, the book reviewer, Prof. Kabir Danladi of the Department of Public Law, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) said that the book is a demonstration of hardwork and dedication to service exhibited by the author in the 27 years service to the nation.
He said that the book provides a practical and institutional guide for the Nigerians legislature with focus on the National Assembly.
The professor said that the books covers the constitutional foundation of National Assembly, internal structure, legislative procedure, oversight functions and its relationship with other arms of government.
Danladi said that the 335 pages book is structured acrossed nine chapters, each addressing a distinct legislative life from historical foundation, constitutional law to practical step-by-step guidance on legislative procedure.
He said that there is alternative to reading especially for those who want to grasp the knowledge therein saying that reading is a command for human development and progress.
The professor recommended the book for all lawmakers, politicians and for all Nigerians to read and enhance the understanding of the legislature.
The event drew lawmakers, parliamentary staff, family members and associates who gathered to celebrate Okoro’s retirement and the launch of his book, which offers practical insights into legislative procedures and the workings of Nigeria’s parliament.
Many of the speakers described the book as a valuable resource for lawmakers, legislative aides and students seeking a deeper understanding of parliamentary practice in Nigeria.
