'I'll Retire from Senate in 2023', Says Ekweremadu

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu weekend said he would retire from the Senate in 2023, meaning he would no longer seek re-election to the Red Chambers in the next general elections.

"I have been scorched and bruised and in all of these, God protected me. This will be my last time as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," Ekweremadu said.

Speaking on Sunday in Enugu during his 57th birthday celebration and 25th wedding anniversary with his wife, Nwanneka, Ekweremadu pointed out that a new breed politician with shared vision would take over from him at the expiration of his fifth term in office.

The lawmaker, who is representing Enugu West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, said it's time to quit the legislature, adding that his remaining time in the Senate would afford him time to complete ongoing projects in his constituency.

The Senator traced his political evolution from his time as president general of his town union to the National Assembly.

Ekweremadu said his 16-year sojourn in the National Assembly has been immensely beneficial to his constituency, noting that his life has been a product of divine grace having passed through a political persecution and vicissitude of life.