By Pius Okaneme
The two lady senators from Anambra State are becoming the spotlight of what a senatorial representation should be. Their presence in their senatorial districts is so visible that any lover of democracy should be encouraged. Senator Uche Ekwunife and Senator Stella Odua have stamped their feet strongly to make a difference in the lives of the people they represent. Nigeria, as whole, should welcome this shine of enlightenment in the politics of the nation.
Senator Uche Ekwunife exudes tremendous energy in carrying out her legislative function that it makes a political observer wonder if she is on a spiritual quest. It appears that there is no part of her senatorial district that she does not make her impact felt. She covers her duties with the diligence of a humanitarian that is passionate about protecting the wellbeing of her people. The marks of her representation in different areas of social services are immense. From road construction to healthcare rehabilitation to political sensitization to support in other civic areas, her achievements are meaningful to the people.
Likewise, the same accolade goes to Senator Stella Odua. She has made her face the hope of citizens suffering from social degradation in her district. It was very uplifting seeing her on social media extending the hand of support to the widow who was recently paraded naked in the streets of Aguleri for allegedly being the cause of the demise of her husband which according to their tradition was as a result of her committing adultery. She showed up again to relieve the victims of the recent gas explosion in Onitsha by settling all their medical bills. She has made these and many more social contributions like road construction, health care rehabilitation, educational support to improve the welfare of the members of her constituency.
The lady senators are tarnishing the era of elected officials who hide in the soft cushion of luxury in Abuja that once they succeed in tricking the electorates to vote for them, close the door to the needs of members of their districts. They are trail blazers defining the true function of senatorial representation. The difference is clear when you compare their roles to those of other senators who only show up in their districts in tinted glass black SUVs and police escorts during house opening ceremonies, title taking ceremonies and family weddings of their colleagues.
The senators are awakening a consciousness. Nigeria may need more women in political offices if Senator Uche Ekwunife and Senator Stella Odua are examples of the human touch women bring to public service. The dominance of men in Nigerian politics has not seemed to progress the wellbeing of the masses. Rather, they have occupied the offices to enrich themselves in a corrupt manner. The glaring achievements of Senator Uche Ekwunife and Senator Stella Odua are the accidental opportunities Anambra State accorded women in politics that may prove their competence, if not superiority.
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