POLITICIANS AND POLITICS SAFE HEAVEN FOR RETIREMENT-Odunze Reginald C

Merrill Lynch survey found that nearly three out of four people over 50 said their ideal retirement would include working. Which is fine. Staying connected to the work world in some way can not only offer financial benefits, it can also keep retirees more active and socially engaged”

Abraham Lincoln, one of the greatest American presidents once said “that politics is too good a vocation to be left alone for politicians”.

And Machiavelli in his monumental book, “The prince “noted that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. And that is the main reason, politicians stick to power. Though Machiavelli was dubbed the devil, by his enemies, associates and intellectual hypocrites. But he definitely made a point and such point to my greatest amazement has still been relevant till today, even though Machiavelli was writing during the time of Mussolini of France and Adolf Hitler of Germany. But what he opined has been relevant in most African countries, where there is sit tight syndrome. The depose of Mubarak of Egypt, the death of Col Gadaffi of Libya  on what has come to be termed as Arab spring are still fresh in our minds. But why do politicians sit tight?  That is not our business today; our business is the retirement of politicians.

Merrill Lynch an investment and financial guru noted above that”staying connected to the work world in some way cannot only offer financial benefits, it also keeps retirees more active and socially engaged” Merrill Lynch position has become relevant to Nigeria politicians.

As at the last count, nearly all governors who have completed their second tenures are gearing up to for senatorial seats and senators and House of Representative members  who have  done two terms are gearing up for governorship. Political analyst are of the view that they are trying to make themselves relevant, protecting and shielding themselves from any financial misappropriation during their last term  based on the principle of immunity .

But financial  analysts and investment planners have different mindset, they are of the view that they want to stay connected  to work life and enjoy the good things of life,  fame , wealth , opportunity to travel at short intervals above all a work world which keep them  more active and social engaged.

But does it give them happiness, happiness varies, what gives Retiree A happiness, may not necessarily give Retiree B happiness.  But the majority of them tend to be happy except where they have soiled their hands during electioneering campaigns and other issues that comes with it pertaining to godfathers and the relevant oath taking to keep in them in check against reneging on their promises to their financiers and king makers.

But be as it may, they tend to be happy and according to Dave Bernard in an article captioned “Finding Retirement state of mind” which appeared in US News .he stated that “they appear to be genuinely happy with their state of affairs and making the most of each day. When you ask about their retirement experience they shine a genuine smile and are happy to regale you – often at length – about how wonderful it is to be in their shoes. Their happiness is infectious and you may find yourself caught up in their joy. Although it is safe to assume not everything is perfect in their world, their overall outlook is positive. They do not believe in the impossibilities , and  even when they fail election, they will always present themselves in the next election.

Odunze Reginald, Lead Consultant , Chareg consulting