Cynthia Ezegwu
After 33 years of service in the National Assembly, the outgoing Mace Bearer of the House of Representatives, Mr. Aku Jethro, has attributed his success in protecting the legislative mace—the symbol of authority of the House—to vigilance, teamwork, and intelligence coordination.
Jethro made this known during a send-forth ceremony held in his honour on Tuesday, where colleagues, lawmakers, and staff members celebrated his decades-long commitment to the legislature.
In a statement issued on Friday by the House Security Unit, Jethro said his team’s alertness and coordination helped prevent several potential attempts to seize or compromise the mace during tense plenary sessions.
“It’s about intelligence and coordination. My team and I built a network within the chamber. Whenever we sensed tension or indications that something might happen, we immediately strategised and took preventive steps. Members knew we were always alert and ready,” he said.
Jethro, who served in the Sergeant-at-Arms Department, noted that protecting the mace was never a one-man job but the product of teamwork and trust among staff.
“Even in difficult moments, we always pulled through together,” he added.
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Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Jethro said the nation had made strides in governance but stressed the need for stronger checks and balances among the three arms of government.
“We have the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary. They are meant to check one another. They’re trying, but there’s still room for improvement,” he said.
Lawmakers, including Daniel Asama from Plateau State, praised Jethro’s professionalism and discipline. “He was a man who understood the sacredness of the mace. He never exchanged pleasantries while carrying it until he had completed his duty,” Asama recalled.
The event concluded with the presentation of a plaque to Jethro in recognition of his meritorious service to the National Assembly.