Akpabio, Abaribe decry legislators’ post-service plight

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

Their emotional remarks came during a solemn Senate session on Tuesday as lawmakers paid tribute to their late colleague, Senator Caleb Zaghi, who represented the Kadnazar Senatorial District in 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.”

“Senator Zaghi represented the good people of Kadnazar Senatorial District in Kaduna State from 2007 to 2011 in this very chamber. He passed away on the 25th of June, 2025, after a brief illness.

He expressed deep sorrow at the death of the distinguished colleague, who, until his passing, had served with distinction on various committees, including as Vice Chairman of both the Senate Committee on Science and Technology and the Public Accounts Committee, among others.

He further recognised his immense contributions to legislative development, his unwavering commitment to democratic ideals, and his dedication to the well-being of the Nigerian people.

“Senator Zaghi played a notable role in national governance, particularly during the delicate period of President Yar’Adua’s medical leave, contributing meaningfully to debates and institutional coordination.

“We recall with admiration his active engagement in oversight functions and constituency development, all of which left behind a legacy of service, integrity, and patriotism,” he said..

He said Senator Zaghi’s death is not only a monumental loss to this hallowed chamber, but also to the entire nation and to the people of Kadnazar, whom he served with great honour and humility. 

We are aware that the late senator’s family has formally informed the Senate President of his passing and provided details of the funeral arrangements as follows: A Service of Songs is scheduled for Wednesday, 9th July 2025 at 4:30 a.m., at ECWA Church, Wuse II, Abuja. The Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday, 16th July 2025, at ECWA Church, Kagoriko, Kaduna State,” he said.

The Senate resolved to send a high-powered delegation to condole with the family, observe a minute’s silence, and publish national tributes in his honour.

However, it was Senator Abaribe’s heartfelt recollection that pulled back the curtain on the silent suffering of many former legislators. He recounted how the late Zaghi had once approached him for financial help while battling illness, revealing a side of political life rarely discussed in public.

“People assume that senators are awash with money,” Abaribe said. “But the day you walk out of this chamber is the day support ends. Caleb had to seek personal contributions from us to manage his health. Unfortunately, he succumbed to the illness.”

He continued, “It’s one of the untold truths of public service—many of us give all for our constituents, and when we’re out, we are forgotten. Caleb was not just a colleague but a brother who stood for unity.”

Senate President Akpabio echoed Abaribe’s sentiments, stressing the sacrifices legislators make for the country. “You made a profound statement,” Akpabio said. “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.”

The Senate’s tribute to Senator Caleb Zaghi thus became more than a farewell—it turned into a national moment of reflection on the true cost of public service and the need to support those who have served with honour.