Former Senator representing Kebbi South, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, has challenged the widespread perception that public office in Nigeria is a guaranteed route to wealth, revealing that many former lawmakers face serious financial difficulties after their tenure.
Speaking on Trust Television’s 30 Minutes programme, Na’Allah stated that some members of the National Assembly become so financially strained after leaving office that they are unable to afford their children’s school fees.
“I challenge you, Mannir,” Na’Allah told the host. “Go to any constituency or ask around about lawmakers in the House of Representatives or the Senate. Find one person who had no means before joining politics and, after serving even just one term, can still afford their children’s school fees.”
He said the general public misunderstands the financial realities of serving in the National Assembly, noting that while some people enter politics expecting to make money, they often leave worse off.
“Many enter the National Assembly thinking it’s a place to get rich, only to discover they may end up poorer than when they came,” he added.
When the host pointed out that many lawmakers appear to be financially comfortable, Na’Allah responded: “That’s how it looks from the outside. That’s why I’m giving you this assignment—do your research and report the true picture back to Nigerians.”
He emphasized that he wasn’t defending the legislature but speaking from personal experience. “The perception people have about lawmakers is far removed from the reality.”
Na’Allah also explained why many politicians cling to office, saying it’s driven by ambition and the hope of rising to higher positions. “It’s about hope—hope that one day you might become Senate President or hold a more influential role. That’s often the motivation, not just staying on as a regular senator.”
Na’Allah, who served as Deputy Majority Leader in the 8th Senate, lost his bid for re-election in 2023 to Garba Maidoki, who defeated him with 75,232 votes to his 70,785.
