Queen Elizabeth II  has approved the appointment of Nigerian-born Ugbana Oyet as Serjeant- at- Arms in the British House of Commons.

Speaker, John Bercow who announced the appointment during Tuesday’s sitting in the Commons said Mr. Oyet will replace Kamal El-Hajji who retired in July after three and a half years in the post.

Bercow said: “I have known Ugbana for several years and have always been impressed by his ability, his attitude and his approach to other people.

“My longstanding impression of him was confirmed when he won a diversity and inclusion award for being an ‘an inspiring role model.’” 

Responding to his appointment, an excited Oyet said: “It is a great honour to serve in such a historic role which combines the needs and challenges of the modern era, while also maintaining the dignity and essential traditions that have helped Parliament endure.

“I’m a real people person and love working closely with MPs, staff and members of the public, so I will do my best to enhance morale and improve the excellent service already provided by the Serjeant’s office.”

The 43-year-old Oyet added: “I was actually shaking with excitement but civil servants don’t get excited, they should be calm and collected.

“I will do my best to enhance morale and improve the excellent service already provided by the Serjeant’s office.

“It is an exciting role. To have the honour and the privilege to be able to serve and support in this really modern environment with internet, with Twitter, while also maintaining  the dignity and the traditions that come with this place.”

Born in Nigeria, Ugbana Oyet moved to the United Kingdom with his family in 1991. He had previously served as the Parliament’s Principal Electrical Engineer for years.

The Serjeant’s role is to ensure the safety of MPs in the House of Commons as well as being carrier of the mace during the Speaker’s procession.

He is also expected to lead a team of 70 staff, covering the Serjeant’s Office, the access team, the doorkeepers. and business resilience officers.