Former Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, who represented Kebbi South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has opened up about a startling reality many lawmakers face after their tenure. Speaking on Trust Television's '30 Minutes' programme, Na’Allah explained why many public officials end up poorer after serving in the National Assembly, despite entering politics with hopes of financial gain.
Na’Allah, who served as Deputy Majority Leader during the 8th Senate, revealed that several lawmakers find themselves in financial struggles after leaving office. This, he suggested, is contrary to the widespread belief that public office is a direct route to wealth.
“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 stated.
The former senator, who lost his re-election bid in 2023, further challenged the perception of wealth associated with political office, urging a deeper look into the financial situations of lawmakers.
“Go back to your constituency or anywhere you know of people occupying public office. 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, can afford even the children’s school fees,” Na’Allah asserted.
He also dismissed the notion that many lawmakers seem financially stable, stating that appearances are often misleading. According to him, once lawmakers leave office, the reality of their financial standing is far from what the public perceives.
Na’Allah explained that some lawmakers hold on to their positions in the hope of securing higher roles within the government.
“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 said.
This revelation shines a light on the harsh economic realities faced by many politicians and challenges the notion that public office brings immense wealth.
