DILIGENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE: THE LESSON FROM OLUREMI TINUBU’S SENATE YEARS

Public service is, at its core, a trust. Citizens elect or appoint individuals to positions of authority with the expectation that they will discharge their responsibilities faithfully, conscientiously and consistently. Yet, in many democracies, including Nigeria, diligence has often become the exception rather than the rule, making every example of dedicated service worthy of recognition.

It was against this backdrop that Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin’s recent remarks on the floor of the Senate deserve reflection beyond the politics that may surround them. While supporting a proposal that attendance be taken at the close of every Senate sitting to identify lawmakers who remain until adjournment, Barau cited the example of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as someone whose commitment and punctuality during her 12 years in the Senate reflected the values expected of public officials.

His conclusion—that God rewarded her diligence by elevating her to the position of First Lady—may invite differing political interpretations. Whether one agrees with that assertion or not is beside the point. The more enduring lesson lies in the principle that consistent dedication to duty matters.

Indeed, public institutions are strengthened not only by landmark legislation or grand policy announcements but also by the everyday habits of those entrusted with public office—arriving on time, attending sittings, participating in debates, studying bills and remaining present until legislative business is concluded. These may appear to be ordinary responsibilities, but they form the foundation of effective governance.

Oluremi Tinubu served in the Senate for twelve years, representing Lagos Central between 2011 and 2023. Throughout that period, colleagues frequently acknowledged her regular attendance and commitment to legislative work. Whether in committee assignments or plenary proceedings, she built a reputation for discipline and consistency. Those qualities are not extraordinary requirements; they are, in fact, the minimum standards citizens should expect from every elected representative.

Unfortunately, public service has too often become associated with absenteeism, poor accountability and a culture where occupying office is considered more important than performing its duties. Stories of legislators missing sittings, public officials neglecting responsibilities and agencies failing to deliver basic services have contributed significantly to declining public confidence in government institutions.

This is why Senator Abdul Ningi’s proposal that attendance be taken at the end of Senate sittings deserves careful consideration. Attendance should not merely be a bureaucratic exercise or a tool for rewarding punctuality. It should become part of a broader effort to institutionalize accountability within the legislature. Citizens deserve to know not only how their representatives vote but also whether they consistently show up to perform the work for which they were elected.

Democracy demands more than occupying a seat in parliament; it requires active participation. The intervention by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno further reinforces this point. He recalled receiving recognition for punctuality during his time in the House of Representatives and suggested that such acknowledgement contributed to his subsequent leadership responsibilities. His experience illustrates an important principle: organizations, whether public or private, function better when diligence is recognized and excellence is encouraged.

Recognition alone, however, is insufficient. What Nigeria requires is a public service culture where diligence is not exceptional but expected; where punctuality is routine, not newsworthy; where commitment to duty is measured not by speeches but by performance. This applies equally to legislators, ministers, governors, civil servants, local government officials and every individual entrusted with public responsibility.

Competence and integrity often receive considerable attention in discussions about leadership. Yet diligence—the quiet, consistent commitment to doing one’s job every day—is equally indispensable. It is diligence that transforms policies into results, budgets into projects and campaign promises into measurable improvements in citizens’ lives.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic hardship, insecurity and demands for better governance, public officials must recognize that the legitimacy of democratic institutions depends not only on elections but also on performance. Citizens are increasingly interested in outcomes rather than titles.

Whether or not one accepts Deputy Senate President Barau’s interpretation that divine providence rewarded Oluremi Tinubu’s dedication, few would dispute the broader truth that consistent hard work builds credibility, earns respect and often creates opportunities for greater responsibility.

The lesson, therefore, extends beyond one individual or one political family. Public office should never be viewed as a privilege detached from responsibility. It is a solemn obligation that demands discipline, accountability and unwavering commitment to service.

If Nigeria is to build stronger institutions and restore public confidence in governance, diligence must cease to be celebrated as an exception and become the defining culture of public service.