In a moment of solemn reflection and defense of Nigeria’s lawmakers, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denounced what he described as widespread but erroneous assumptions that senators accumulate wealth during their time in office.
Speaking during a tribute session in honour of the late Senator Caleb Zagi, Akpabio commended his colleagues for their personal sacrifices, stressing that many leave the red chambers with little to show in material terms.
“I was impressed when you spoke about your personal efforts during Senator Caleb’s illness,” Akpabio told a fellow senator. “The Senate acknowledges that. But what struck me more was your observation — that the public perceives the National Assembly as a place of financial opulence, when in fact, many lawmakers struggle financially after leaving office.”
He added, “It was a reality check. Many Nigerians believe we are here to enrich ourselves. They don’t realize we make significant sacrifices to help shape the country’s future. It’s about service, not wealth.”
The remarks came amid a broader discussion on the passing of Senator Caleb Zagi, a former member of the House of Representatives who joined the Senate in 2007 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The chamber observed a minute of silence and agreed to dispatch a condolence delegation to Zagi’s family.
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The Senate President’s comments are the latest in a series of attempts by lawmakers to combat negative public perceptions about the financial benefits of serving in the legislature.
For many citizens struggling with economic hardship, the National Assembly is often seen as a symbol of political privilege and excess.
However, Akpabio insists that such views do not reflect the lived experiences of many legislators, especially those who serve with dedication and integrity.
The tribute session included mentions of former senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Sunday Marshall Katung, among others, as lawmakers remembered the contributions of their late colleague.