Gloria Essien Abuja
The Mace Bearer of the House of Representatives, Mr Aku Jethro, has revealed that coordinated intelligence networking helped him and his team prevent possible attempts to take over the House mace during his tenure.
He made this disclosure at an event held to mark his retirement. Mr Jethro emphasised that the mace represents the authority of the parliament and, by tradition, must be properly laid during plenary sessions to validate the proceedings and any decisions reached.
He added that the responsibility for safeguarding the mace rests with the Sergeant-at-Arms unit of the House.
Mr. Jethro, who had committed about 33 years to service of the National Assembly, specifically bearing the mace of the House of Representatives for the better part of the period, said that it was not easy, but with the understanding and support of his colleagues, they sailed through even the most turbulent times.
“It’s just an intelligence network. We are able, I would say, staff that are working closely with me or that worked closely with me during that time had an intelligence network, you know, we sized (up)the chamber, if there are feelers that something is about to happen, we mobilize, and we strategise.
“The politicians, too, will know that yes, these people are not taking things
for granted, even though sometimes there is pressure. But notwithstanding, we’re equal to the task in the House of Representatives.
“We are always ready to protect the mace, and we’ve been protecting it all this time. Even though there are pressures, I tend to admit, severally, that through our collaborative effort within the staff in the chamber, sergeant at armed staff, we always overcome all these things. It’s just collaboration and intelligence,” Mr. Jethro said.
He noted that politicians may be doing their best, but much is still required.
“We have three arms of government, and they’re supposed to check each other. They are doing their best, but then, we still expect that they should do more than what they are doing,” he said.
He urged his colleagues to continue with the good work.
“I’ll greatly miss you, but I can never forget you. I know I’m leaving you in capable hands,” he said.
Friends and colleagues of the retiring Sergeant-At-Arms officer, including a member of the House of Representatives from Plateau State, Hon. Daniel Asama, also took turns in paying tributes to his qualities and dedication to duty, after which he was presented with an award plaque of honour for his “Meritorious Service.”
According to Asama, the retiree was a person dedicated to his role with all seriousness.
“Jethro doesn’t talk to anybody when he’s carrying the mace until he’s done, before he will greet anybody. I have worked in the Plateau State House of Assembly before, so I know what the mace means, ” he said.