Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said that contrary to popular belief, many former members of the National Assembly face serious financial hardship after leaving office.
He made the remark on Wednesday during plenary as lawmakers paid tribute to Caleb Zagi, a former senator who represented Kaduna South and passed away on June 25, 2025.
The tribute followed a motion moved by Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, also representing Kaduna South, in honour of the late Zagi who served in the red chamber from 2007 to 2011.
During the session, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) disclosed that Zagi had reached out to some of his former colleagues seeking financial assistance shortly before his death. According to Abaribe, the late senator battled illness and had to rely on personal contributions from friends in the legislature.
“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.”
Reacting to Abaribe’s comments, Senate President Akpabio praised him for offering support to Zagi and seized the opportunity to challenge misconceptions about lawmakers’ wealth and privileges.
“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), previously served in the House of Representatives before his election to the Senate in 2007.
The Senate observed a minute of silence in his memory and resolved to send a delegation to condole with his family.
