Nigerians Attack Lawmakers Unfairly - Orji Kalu Reveals Hidden Senate Struggles

Former Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has lamented that Nigerian federal lawmakers are not given the respect they deserve, stressing that they are often taken for granted despite the enormous work they do. He also revealed that he has personally tightened his belt in response to the economic hardship gripping the country.

Speaking as a guest on Channels Television's Politics Today on Monday, the former governor of Abia State tackled the widespread belief that Nigerian legislators are among the highest-paid lawmakers in the world. According to him, the public focuses too much on their earnings and ignores the demands of the job.

Responding to a question on whether he had adjusted his lifestyle due to economic hardship, Kalu stated that federal lawmakers do not control public funds but merely sign off on budgets that are managed by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Orji said, "The Assembly does not control any money. We sign the budget, and it goes to the MDAs. For me, I have tightened my belt."

He further admitted that, before joining the Senate, he had underestimated the workload of federal legislators, but his experience in office changed his perception.

"Before, I used to think lawmakers just sat there doing nothing, but there is a lot of work going on. I am telling you the truth," Orji stated. "Sometimes, I don't get home until 11 p.m. because of various committee meetings. People take Senators and House of Representatives members for granted."

Orji Kalu argued that legislators should be accorded more respect, as they play a critical role in governance. However, he clarified that lawmakers are not responsible for executing the budget or running the economy, as those duties fall under the executive arm of government.

"We should be respected. We agreed that we are not the ones running the country's economy. Our duty is to make laws, and another arm of the government will execute them," he added.

Kalu's comments come amid public scrutiny over the financial benefits enjoyed by Nigerian legislators. Many Nigerians have long criticized the National Assembly for allegedly receiving exorbitant salaries and allowances while millions struggle with economic hardship.

However, Kalu's remarks suggest that lawmakers feel unappreciated and misunderstood, particularly regarding their legislative responsibilities.

His statement is expected to spark fresh debates over the true workload of federal lawmakers and whether their compensation is justified given the economic realities faced by ordinary citizens.