In contrast with common belief, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stated that legislators do not make significant income and many face financial difficulties once they leave their positions.
The former Governor of Akwa Ibom State revealedon Wednesday, July 9, 2025, as legislators honoredCaleb Zagi, a former senator from Kaduna South, who passed away on June 25 following a short illness.
The legislator from Kaduna South,Sunday Marshall Katung, had proposed a motion to recognize Zagi, who passed away on June 25 following a short illness.
During his speech, Enyinnaya Abaribe, the senator for Abia South, stated that the deceased had contacted his former colleagues for financial assistance just before his death.
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Abaribe mentioned that he and several colleagues provided personal donations for Zagi, whom he characterized as a dedicated lawmaker who represented his constituents with modesty and bridged religious and regional differences.
The Abia senator said, 'I was extremely upset when he came to me and revealed that he was seriously ill and was asking for our support, requiring us to make personal contributions to him.'
Of course, this is one of the aspects that many people in Nigeria are unaware of regarding the life of a legislative member.
There is a belief that a significant amount of money is invested here for individuals, but naturally, whatever you witness, the moment you leave this room is the very moment this chamber offers you no advantages.
Caleb belonged to that group, and I am deeply, deeply sorry that in the end, that illness took his life. He was a very kind and respectable lawmaker and a supporter of the people from Kaduna South.
And since he was someone who bridged gaps — from the north to the south, from Christian to Muslim — we can only pray that God blesses this wonderful soul and grants him eternal peace.
Akpabio claims that senators often face financial difficulties after leaving their positions.
In his capacity, the Senate President commended Abaribe for his individual efforts and took the chance to address what he referred to as common misunderstandings regarding legislators.
According to Akpabio, the idea that senators accumulate riches during their time in office is inaccurate, arguing that many government workers endure hardships with minimal rewards following their service.
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"I was impressed by your involvement in the discussion regarding the passing of respected Senator Caleb, and you highlighted your personal role during his illness. For this, the senate thanks you," Akpabio stated.
But you made a deep statement—that people in Nigeria believe a significant amount of money is spent on the national assembly.
But once you leave the national assembly, you find yourself in need of money just to treat yourself, which highlights the absurdity of all the accusations and subtle hints directed at the lawmakers.
I believe it was a revealing experience for many. Some individuals feel that our purpose here is to earn money.
They are unaware that we have come here to make sacrifices for the nation's development, allowing us to leave a better country for future generations.
The Senate held a moment of silence to pay respects to the departed and decided to send a group to express their condolences to his family.
Zagi was a member of the House of Representatives prior to transitioning to the Senate in 2007, all while being affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).