A former Senator who represented Kebbi South, Bala Ibn-Na’Allah, has clarified some misconceptions about Nigerian lawmakers, saying most of them end up being poorer after leaving office.
Speaking during an interview with Trust TV on Sunday, Mr Na’Allah said while many Nigerians perceived the lawmakers to be rich and affluent, many of them struggle to afford basic needs such as school fees of their children and medical bills.
He said: “Mannir, I am giving you this assignment. Go back to your constituency or anywhere you know of people occupying public office, especially the House of Representatives and the Senate.
“Tell me one senator or one member of the House of Representatives who had nothing to do before he joined politics and who, after leaving politics after one year, can even afford the children’s school fees.”
Mr Na’Allah emphasised that the glamorous image associated with the National Assembly is far from reality.
“Some of them ventured into the National Assembly believing that it is a place to make money, only to discover that they are going to end up poorer,” he added.
When told that many lawmakers seem well-off, Mr Na’Allah said, “well, that is how you see it, and that is why I am giving you this assignment.
“And I hope by the time you finish that assignment, you will return to this forum and tell Nigerians what your results have shown.”
He clarified that he wasn’t trying to defend legislators but simply offering insight from his experience.
“The perception that the public has is completely at variance with the reality of what is happening there,” he said.
Mr Na’Allah also addressed the persistence of lawmakers in seeking re-election, saying it often stems from aspirations for higher office, not necessarily the perks of being a regular senator.
“It is an issue of hope. You are hoping that tomorrow I might be the Senate President; I might be this. That may be the reason, but not to remain as an ordinary senator,” he explained.
