Senator Uche Ekwunife (IYOM) has just won back her seat in the Senate for Anambra Central Senatorial District. In this interview with VICTOR OLUWASEGUN, she speaks about her personality, philosophy and outlook on life. Excerpts:
SOME say it’s more difficult to be successful as a female politician, do you share this belief?
I have never approached anything I do, including politics, with ‘the victim’ mentality. There are challenges that women face in politics without a doubt, but as soon as I made up my mind to join politics, I was determined to face the challenges head on. Success for me is majorly a function of the individual and as a woman. I reckon that for me to be successful, I need to work three times as harder than the man. I am a product of hard-work and one thing I can tell you is that hard work pays.
Politically, you’re a dogged fighter, how did you become this type of politician?
First is the grace of God. Second is the fact that I was raised to understand that whatsoever l want in life, I have to work hard for it. Beyond the ‘dogged fighter’ tag is the fact that I also have a pedigree and track record. Once people trust you with a political position, the onus is on you to ensure that you deliver on the promises you made to them. Our constituents remember the promises we made and they will always hold us accountable. I have earned a reputation as someone who delivers on her campaign promises; so I am quite conscious of that tag because I have to surpass whatever it is that was achieved yesterday. Every mandate comes with its expectation and we will continue to work hard to ensure that our people get the representation they truly deserve.
How would you describe your growing up? Who are your role models?
My mother played an active role in shaping my character and entire personae. She taught us the implication of hard work and the need for us to always maintain focus and constantly be in prayers. We were also taught that contentment is a virtue and all of these have been the hallmark of my life.
What were the high points of your political career?
There have been loads of high points but I will single out this victory because it was a recovery of my stolen mandate. It was a sad situation to see the mandate that was given to me by the citizens of Anambra Central stolen through the back door on the grounds of pre-election matters. I am happy today because the voice of the people, they say, is the voice of God. The people have spoken across the seven local governments and they have spoken clearly that I am their choice. So, I give all the glory to God.
You were a banker, then a politician. If you weren’t in politics, what would you be doing right now?
I wouldn’t say with a degree of certainty, but one thing is clear to me: I will always work hard and put in my very best in whatsoever I find myself doing. I am also happy that I am in the best place where God wants me to be for such a time as this.
You are a stylish woman. How do you cope with the ‘admiration’ of men within and outside the National Assembly?
Like I said earlier, I am contented with whatever I have; I also try to live responsibly and always ensuring that I maintain the right balance between career and the home-front. Admiration is normal and I have by the grace of God kept everything in check.
What philosophy guides your daily living?
Dedication, passion for what I do, determination to succeed against all odds and contentment with whatever God has given me.
Your husband supports your dreams and aspirations, but he is quiet. Was it love at first sight when you met him?
A combination of so many other things. My husband has been a strong pillar of support and I am thankful and grateful to God and to him as well. He is such an amazing man who loves his family.
Some say you still have plans to become the first female governor of Anambra State. Is the dream still alive?
My interest at the moment is to guarantee Ndi Anambra Central a perfect representation at the red chambers and that is my sole focus at this point in time. I don’t belong to the generation of people that count their chickens before they hatch. I take things one day at a time and my focus is the 9th Assembly. I have never been a failure and I believe that by the grace of God, I will make my entire constituents proud by ensuring that the mandate they gave me is used to work for their interest.
What would be your advice to young women going into politics?
They should not despair; they should keep up the pushing for greater heights. If I could succeed, they can also succeed but it can only happen through hard work and the grace of God.
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