Ex-govs use Senate as retirement, protection from probe – Ex-Kwara lawmaker

Former Kwara Central Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe claims that many former governors use the Senate as a retirement destination and a means of protection from anti-corruption agencies. Oloriegbe, an All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant, also expressed concerns that former governors struggle to adapt to the demands of legislative work, which he says deprives their constituencies of effective representation and other benefits.

In a WhatsApp group discussion on the 2027 Kwara Central senatorial race, Oloriegbe argued that the skills required for executive and legislative work are different, emphasizing that lawmakers must personally attend plenary sessions, committee meetings, debates and build relationships with colleagues. He argued that many former governors perform poorly in the Senate due to their inability to adjust to the new environment, often using the position as a retirement place and a shield from anti-corruption agencies.

Oloriegbe cited the example of the Senate Committee on Health where only former Kano State governor Ibrahim Shekarau regularly attended meetings, attributing his participation to his modest lifestyle and political orientation. He also highlighted the consequences of senators not participating in committee activities, which could deprive their constituents of benefits such as employment opportunities and projects in the budget.