Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on , James Faleke , has charged civil servants to resist undue pressure from politicians and uphold due process if Nigeria must achieve meaningful development.
Faleke spoke in Abuja during the launch of a book titled The Nigerian Legislature: A Practical Guide for Lawmakers, authored by retiring Clerk of the House Committee on Finance, Oscar Okoro, to mark his 60th birthday and retirement from service.
According to the lawmaker, civil servants remain the engine room of government and play a critical role in ensuring policies and programmes are implemented in line with established rules.
“The civil service mainly builds the country. They are the technocrats. They are the people that we politicians rely on,” Faleke said.
He stressed that Nigeria would make greater progress if public servants insist on following laid-down procedures even when pressured to do otherwise by political office holders.
“And if the civil servant decides 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.
Faleke described Okoro as a hardworking and dedicated public servant whose career should inspire younger officers in government service.
Also speaking, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, , praised Okoro’s professionalism, patience and commitment to duty.
House spokesman, , equally described the retiring clerk as a model public servant, urging younger civil servants to emulate his integrity and diligence.
Responding, Okoro attributed his successful career to hard work, patience, humility and respect for others.
“Life itself is a 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,” he said.
The retired clerk disclosed that he would return to legal practice and consultancy while dedicating more time to mentoring young people and serving God.
