Speaking on Trust Television’s 30 Minutes programme, the former Kebbi South senator challenged the widespread belief that public office is a guaranteed path to wealth.
A former senator, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, has said that some lawmakers in Nigeria become so financially strained after leaving the National Assembly that they struggle to pay their children’s school fees.
Speaking on Trust Television’s 30 Minutes programme, the former Kebbi South senator challenged the widespread belief that public office is a guaranteed path to wealth.
“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 fee,” Na’Allah said.
He noted that the reality inside the National Assembly differs significantly from what Nigerians imagine.
“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 the host suggested that most lawmakers appear well-off, Na’Allah countered, “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.”
“I am not here to make a case for the legislature,” he continued, “but I am telling you based on my honest understanding of how that place is run. The perception that the public has is completely at variance with the reality of what is happening there.”
He further explained that many lawmakers cling to their seats, hoping for more powerful positions in future.
“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.”
Na’Allah, who served as deputy majority leader in the 8th Senate, lost his 2023 re-election to Garba Maidoki, who scored 75,232 votes against his 70,785.
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