Nigeria’s progress depends on civil servants resisting political pressure - Faleke

Nigeria's progress and development are intrinsically linked to the integrity of its civil servants, according to James Faleke, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance. He stressed that civil servants must remain steadfast in upholding due process, even when confronted with pressure from political office holders.

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The civil service mainly builds the country. They are the technocrats. They are the people that we politicians rely on.

Faleke articulated this view on Sunday evening in Abuja, on the sidelines of a book launch for Oscar Okoro, the retiring Clerk of the House Committee on Finance. Okoro was celebrating his 60th birthday and retirement. Faleke described civil servants as the "backbone of governance" and the "technocrats" upon whom politicians rely. He asserted that Nigeria would be better off if civil servants consistently chose to follow established rules, even when politicians suggest otherwise.

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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.

"It is about dedication to the development of Nigeria," Faleke stated. "When you trust and believe in the country, you will want to see the success of the country." He lauded Okoro as a model public servant, highlighting his dedication, commitment, and hard work, noting that Okoro was not "money-conscious" but focused on ensuring tasks were completed appropriately.

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Okoro is a very hardworking guy. Unlike others, he is not money-conscious; he just wants to see things done accordingly and appreciably.

Echoing Faleke's sentiments, Abubakar Saidu, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, described Okoro as a consummate professional whose conduct offered valuable lessons for aspiring public servants. House spokesman Akin Rotimi also paid tribute, calling Okoro a model public servant whose career exemplified integrity, diligence, and commitment. Rotimi encouraged those in public service to emulate Okoro's example, emphasizing the difficulty of replacing his experience and expertise despite existing mentoring programs within the National Assembly.

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He is very dedicated, very patient. He is a professional, excellent and committed as well as exemplary when it comes to the job.