By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Mace bearer in the House of Representatives, Mr Aku Jethro has disclosed how coordinated intelligence networking helped him and his team members guard against possible snatching of the House of Representatives’ mace while he served as its bearer until his retirement on Thursday.
The mace is a symbol of authority of a parliamentary house, which by tradition must be properly laid when in plenary to validate its processes and decision reached in such sessions, and safeguarded by the Sergeant-At-Arms unit of the parliaa edge vment.
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 told journalists on the sidelines of a sendforth party by his colleagues in his honour, 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 the chamber if there are feelers that something is about to happen, we mobilize, and we strategize. The politicians too will know that yes, these people are not taking things
for granted even though, 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 while. 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, he said.
Outside his work definition, he said his decades of experience in the parliament has shown that, the politicians may be doing their best but much was 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.
To his colleagues, he said “I’ll greatly miss you, but I can never forget you. I know I’m leaving you in capable hands.”
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 over his qualities and dedication to dutiy 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 is done before he will greet anybody. I have worked in the Plateau State House of Assembly before, so I know what the mace means.”
