Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigerians to discard the belief that senators join the National Assembly to amass wealth, stating that many former lawmakers face financial difficulties after leaving office.
Akpabio made the remarks during a Senate plenary on Wednesday, as lawmakers paid tribute to the late Senator Caleb Zagi, who passed away on June 25, 2025, after a brief illness. Zagi represented Kaduna South in the Senate from 2007 to 2011.
The tribute was initiated through a motion by Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, who currently represents Kaduna South.
While speaking during the session, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) revealed that Zagi had reached out to former colleagues for financial assistance shortly before his death. Abaribe described the late senator as a dedicated public servant who served with humility and maintained relationships across religious and regional lines.
“I was very saddened when he told us he was seriously ill and needed support. We had to make personal contributions to assist him,” Abaribe shared. “This reflects a reality many Nigerians overlook — they believe lawmakers live in luxury, yet the day you leave this chamber, all benefits stop.”
He continued: “Zagi found himself in that unfortunate situation. His illness eventually claimed his life. He was a committed legislator who genuinely served the people of Kaduna South and worked across divides — north and south, Christian and Muslim. We pray for eternal rest for his soul.”
In response, Akpabio praised Abaribe for his generosity and used the occasion to dispel public misconceptions about the financial status of legislators.
“I commend you, Senator Abaribe, for your personal support to our late colleague. The Senate appreciates that,” Akpabio said.
“You also made an important point — that there is a widespread perception that lawmakers live lavishly. But in truth, many leave office and struggle even to afford medical care. That alone debunks the myths and assumptions about this institution.”
Akpabio emphasized that public service in the Senate is more about sacrifice than enrichment.
“Many believe we are here to enrich ourselves, but they don’t realize we make sacrifices for the progress of our country. We are working to build a better Nigeria for future generations,” he added.
