The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, James Faleke, has said Nigeria’s development aspirations will remain difficult to achieve unless civil servants maintain professional integrity and refuse to compromise due process under pressure from political office holders.
Faleke made the remarks in Abuja during the launch of The Nigerian Legislature: A Practical Guide for Lawmakers, a book authored by retiring National Assembly official Oscar Okoro to mark his 60th birthday and retirement from public service.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the lawmaker described the civil service as the engine room of governance, stressing that public institutions rely heavily on career officers who provide technical expertise, institutional memory and continuity regardless of political changes.
“The civil service mainly builds the country. They are the technocrats. They are the people that we politicians rely on,” Faleke said.
According to him, Nigeria would record greater progress if public servants insist on following established rules and procedures even when faced with contrary directives from politicians.
“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 stated.
Faleke argued that genuine national development requires public officials who are committed to strengthening institutions rather than serving personal interests. He said confidence in Nigeria’s future must be reflected in the willingness of public servants to protect accountability and transparency within government processes.
The lawmaker used the occasion to pay tribute to Okoro, describing him as a dedicated and principled public servant whose career should serve as a model for younger officers entering government service.
“Okoro is a 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,” Faleke said.
The event also featured commendations from lawmakers and senior parliamentary officials who praised Okoro’s professionalism and commitment to duty during his 27-year career in the National Assembly.
Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Abubakar Saidu, described the retiring official as patient, dedicated and exemplary.
“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, House spokesman Akin Rotimi said Okoro’s career embodied integrity and diligence, urging younger public servants to emulate his values.
“My encouragement to people in service is that this is the kind of person to model and pattern their careers after, people who have integrity and diligence as their watchword,” Rotimi said.
Earlier, book reviewer Professor Kabir Danladi said the 335-page publication provides practical insights into legislative operations, parliamentary procedures, oversight functions and the relationship between the legislature and other arms of government.
Responding, Okoro attributed his success in public service to hard work, humility, patience 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,” he said.
The event drew lawmakers, academics, legislative aides and public servants, highlighting renewed conversations around institutional reforms and the role of a professional civil service in strengthening governance in Nigeria.
