By Praise Chinecherem
The Senator representing Anambra Central, Sen. Uche Ekwunife on Saturday said it was not yet time to quit active politics, stressing she was rather young and active to retire.
She described politics as a game she enjoyed playing, saying she remained a happy and fulfilled politician with nothing to regret.
Speaking to reporters in Awka, shortly after rendering account of her four years stewardship at the National Assembly, Ekwunife who lost out to Sen. Victor Umeh in the February 25 Senatorial poll, however said she would temporarily return to her accounting profession as she awaited for God’s direction.
She said, “I have no regrets at all, I’m a fulfilled politician and I’m very happy. Some people are asking whether I’m going to retire, I can’t retire. If people like Obasanjo and others that started before me haven’t retired, why should I?
“I’m so young and active in politics. That I’m not holding any public office presently doesn’t mean I’ll retire, I’m a politician, I enjoy politics and would continue to play politics.”
Asked why she did not challenge the outcome of the elections, the outgoing lawmaker said it was unnecesary, especially for one who refused to view politics as do-or-die affair.
“I decided not to contest, let me go and rest. Politics is not do or die. Once your objectives is to serve the people, why are you fighting to serve them? You mustn’t win all the time. Politics is like market, as you’re coming back, others are going.
“If I’m there because of my personal benefits, maybe I might have been crying by now. That’s why I called this meeting because I’m not ashamed but proud of what I’ve done for my people and they too are happy.
“On the next step to take, it’s what God wants me to do, I’ll wait for God’s direction. But for now, I’ll return to my private practice as a chartered accountant where I consult,” she hinted.
While reeling out her numerous achievements within the four years tenure, the lawmaker said she had nothing to miss in the red chambers having redefined constituency representation through sponsorship of 30 bills and 18 motions.
“I don’t think I missed anything. For the past four years, I aggressively and passionately served my people in all ramifications, especially in terms of bills and motions, attracting projects, empowerments.
“The only thing I can say I’ll probably miss is the voice of the floor and opportunities of continuing on those good things. In all, I’m grateful to God and the people of the state. I’m particularly grateful to my husband for standing by me all through.
On the fuel subsidy removal, Ekwunife threw her weight behind President Ahmed Bola Tinubu on the decision, but called for urgent upward review of workers’ minimum wage to enable public servants meet up with the challenges the subsidy removal would throw up.
“Incidentally, all the Presidential Candidates said they’ll remove the fuel subsidy immediately. So I support the removal.
“But the President must look into the minimum wage. It must be enhanced as a matter of urgency for public servants to meet up with the challenges the subsidy removal will throw up.
“I also hope the money that would be saved would be used to provide basic infrastructures,” she added.
