President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has defended the financial integrity of lawmakers, stating that they are motivated by a desire to serve the nation rather than personal financial gain.
He made these remarks while paying tribute to the late Senator Caleb Zagi, who represented Kaduna South from 2007 to 2011.
Akpabio emphasized that lawmakers make sacrifices for the growth of the nation, stating, “We come here to sacrifice for the growth of the nation so we can leave a better country for future generations.”
He highlighted that many lawmakers face financial hardship after leaving office, saying, “Once you step out of the National Assembly, you are looking for money to even treat yourself.”
Akpabio aimed to challenge the widespread perception that lawmakers accumulate wealth during their tenure, noting that this is often not the case.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, corroborated Akpabio’s statement, sharing his personal experience of contributing to the late Senator Zagi’s medical bills.
Abaribe noted: “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.”
The statements from Akpabio and Abaribe aim to shed light on the realities faced by lawmakers and challenge the common perception of their financial situations.
