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By Tracy Moses
After 33 years of dedicated service at the National Assembly, the outgoing Mace Bearer of the House of Representatives, Mr. Aku Jethro, has revealed how coordinated intelligence and teamwork helped prevent possible attempts to snatch the legislative symbol of authority during his years of service.
The mace, regarded as the emblem of power and legitimacy of any legislative chamber, must be duly positioned during plenary sessions to validate proceedings and decisions taken therein. Its protection falls under the purview of the Sergeant-at-Arms department.
Speaking to journalists at a sendforth event organised in his honour on Thursday, Jethro said vigilance, intelligence gathering, and cooperation among staff were crucial to maintaining order and safeguarding the mace, especially during tense moments in the House.
“It’s about intelligence and coordination,” he explained. “My team and I had a network within the chamber. Whenever we sensed tension or had indications that something might happen, we would immediately strategise and take preventive steps. That way, members knew we were always alert and ready. Despite the pressure that sometimes came with the job, we were always equal to the task.”
According to him, the ability to protect the mace over the years was a product of collaboration among chamber staff and the Sergeant-at-Arms unit. “It’s teamwork and intelligence sharing. Even in difficult moments, we always pulled through together,” he added.
Reflecting on his long years of service in parliament, Jethro noted that while Nigerian politicians have made efforts to strengthen governance, more still needs to be done to ensure better checks and balance among the three arms of government.
“We have the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary. They are supposed to check each other. They are trying, but there’s still room for improvement,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to his colleagues, the retiring officer said: “I’ll miss everyone dearly, but I’m leaving confident that the institution is in capable hands.”
At the event, friends, colleagues, and lawmakers celebrated Jethro’s commitment to duty and professionalism. A member of the House of Representatives from Plateau State, Hon. Daniel Asama, commended his discipline and devotion to his role, describing him as “a man who understood the sacredness of the mace.”
“Jethro was always focused. He never exchanged pleasantries while carrying the mace until he had completed his duty,” Asama remarked, recalling his own experience in the Plateau State House of Assembly.
Jethro was later presented with an award plaque in recognition of his “Meritorious Service” to the National Assembly.