Senate President Godswill Akpabio has shed light on the financial struggles faced by many Nigerian senators after their tenure, challenging the widespread perception that all lawmakers live in affluence. Speaking during a Senate plenary session on Wednesday, Akpabio shared a sobering account of how some former legislators, despite serving the nation, face serious financial difficulties once they leave the National Assembly.
Akpabio made the revelation while paying tribute to former senator Caleb Zagi, who recently passed away following a prolonged illness. He disclosed that Zagi had reached out to his former colleagues for financial assistance during his health crisis, highlighting the harsh reality many ex-lawmakers endure in silence.
“This is a wake-up call,” Akpabio said, urging Nigerians to rethink their assumptions about senators’ wealth. “People often believe that once you’ve served in the National Assembly, you’re automatically rich. That’s far from the truth. Many of us make sacrifices, and some leave office without any form of financial security.”
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Backing Akpabio’s claims, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe expressed sadness over Zagi’s situation, recalling how difficult it was to see a former colleague struggle to afford medical care. He noted that once lawmakers leave office, they are often left without health benefits or support systems, a stark contrast to the privileges assumed by the public.
Akpabio emphasized that senators, despite the prestige of their positions, are not immune to financial challenges, especially after their service ends. He called on Nigerians to show empathy and understand the realities lawmakers face behind the scenes, urging a shift in public perception from judgment to appreciation for the sacrifices made in the service of the nation.
