The Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said that most Nigerians think the lawmakers only go to the National Assembly to make money.
Akpabio said there’s a general perception that there is so much money within the walls of the National Assembly.
Speaking at the plenary while lawmakers of the Senate paid tribute to the late Caleb Zagi, the Senate President said that Nigerians are oblivion of how things work in the National Assembly and how lawmakers struggle financially after leaving office.
Caleb, a former lawmaker who represented Kaduna South senatorial district died on June 25 after a brief illness. He served in the Senate from 2007 to 2011.
Akpabio’s remarks followed a motion raised in honour of Zagi by Sunday Katung, the lawmaker representing Kaduna South.
In reaction to Katung’s motion, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe reminded the lawmakers that Zagi had reached out to his former colleagues for financial support before his passing.
“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.
“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,” Abaribe said.
He also noted that it was unfortunate that the late former lawmaker fell into that category.
In his address, the Senate President commended the Abia lawmaker for pointing out that there is not as much money to money to make in the National Assembly as people think.
“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.
“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,” the Senate President stated.
