Nigerians Think Senators Make Money, But We Struggle After Office – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio says contrary to public perception, many former lawmakers struggle financially after leaving office. 

Akpabio spoke on Wednesday during plenary, as lawmakers paid tribute to Caleb Zagi, former Kaduna south senator, who died on June 25 after a brief illness.

Sunday Marshall Katung, senator representing Kaduna south, had moved a motion to honour Zagi, who served in the upper chamber from 2007 to 2011.

Speaking during the session, Enyinnaya Abaribe, the Abia south senator, disclosed that the late Zagi reached out to his former colleagues for financial support shortly before his death.

Abaribe described Zagi as a committed legislator who served his people with humility and reached across religious and regional divides.

“I was very sad when he approached and said he was actually very sick and he was seeking for contributions from us and we had to make personal contributions to him,” Abaribe said.

“Of course, that is one of the things that most people in Nigeria don’t know about the life of a member of the legislature.

“There’s an assumption that so much money is spent here on behalf of people, but of course, whatever you see, the day you walk out of this chamber is the day that this chamber also does not extend any benefits to you.

“Caleb fell into that category, and I’m very, very sorry that eventually that sickness cost him his life. He was a very nice and proper legislator and a supporter of the Kaduna south people.

“And because he is somebody who reached across divides — from the north to the south, from Christian to Muslim — we can only ask God to bless this beautiful soul and give him eternal rest.”

In his response, Akpabio commended Abaribe for his personal contribution and used the opportunity to address the “widespread misconceptions” about lawmakers.

Akpabio said the assumption that senators accumulate wealth in office is misleading, noting that many public servants make sacrifices with little to show for it after their tenure.

“I was impressed when you were contributing to the discussion on the demise of distinguished Senator Caleb, and you pointed out your personal contribution during his illness. For this, the senate appreciates you,” Akpabio said.

“But you made a profound statement — that out there, Nigerians think that a lot of money is spent on the national assembly.

“But once you step out of the national assembly, you are looking for money to even treat yourself, which shows the fallacy of all the insinuations and innuendos thrown at the legislators.

“I think it was an eye-opener for a lot of people. Some people think that we come here to make money.

“They don’t know that we come here to sacrifice for the growth of the nation, so we can leave a better country for future generations.”

Zagi, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), served in the house of representatives before moving to the senate in 2007.

The senate held a minute’s silence in Zagi’s honour and resolved to send a delegation to condole with his family.