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

Former Kwara Central Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe has accused many former governors of using the National Assembly as a retirement home and a means of protection from anti-corruption agencies. Oloriegbe, who is running for governor in Kwara, argued that former governors struggle to adapt to the demands of legislative work, which often leads to their constituents receiving inadequate representation and other benefits.

He noted that lawmakers must personally attend plenary and committee meetings, participate in debates and build relationships with colleagues to effectively represent their districts. Oloriegbe cited his experience as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health in the Ninth National Assembly, where only former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau regularly attended committee meetings.

He attributed Shekarau's attendance to his socialist lifestyle and modesty, contrasting it with other former governors who may not participate as actively. Oloriegbe highlighted that senators who fail to participate in committee activities deprive their constituencies of benefits such as employment opportunities and projects funded by the committee.

He also pointed out that some former governors delegated legislative responsibilities to their deputies, resulting in poor oversight and negative consequences for their constituents.