Senators Godswill Akpabio and Enyinnaya Abaribe have raised the alarm over the difficult conditions faced by lawmakers after leaving office, debunking the widespread public perception that legislators live in luxury during and after their tenure.

Their emotional remarks came during a solemn Senate session, as lawmakers paid tribute to their late colleague, Caleb Zaghi, who represented the Kadnazar Senatorial District of Kaduna State between 2007 and 2011.

Zaghi, who died after a brief illness on June 25, 2025, was remembered as a dedicated public servant and bridge-builder across regions and religions.

Leading the motion, Senator Marshall Khatun described the deceased as “a man of service, commitment, and legislative excellence.” The Senate President echoed Abaribe’s sentiments, stressing the sacrifices legislators make for the country.

“You made a profound statement,” Akpabio said, adding: “Nigerians think so much money is spent on legislators, but they don’t know that many are left looking for money just to treat themselves after office. This narrative needs to change.”

He added: “We do not come here to enrich ourselves but to serve and leave a better nation for future generations. The perception out there is false and dangerous.”