The Senate has officially declared the seat of new Edo Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo vacant, marking the end of his tenure as a senator representing the Edo Central Senatorial District.
This decision follows his historic election and inauguration as the governor of Edo State in November 2024.
The declaration is in accordance with Section 68(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that a lawmaker’s seat automatically becomes vacant upon their assumption of another public office.
The announcement on Wednesday was triggered by a letter from Sen. Abba Moro, the Senate Minority Leader and a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Benue South.
Moro’s letter referenced the constitutional requirement for declaring the seat vacant, emphasizing the need for the Senate President to inform the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold a fresh election for the Edo Central Senatorial District.
Responding, Akpabio affirmed the constitutional basis for the decision, officially declared the seat vacant, and directed INEC to organize a by-election to ensure Edo Central Senatorial District continues to have representation in the upper chamber.
During a valedictory session held in Okpebholo’s honour, Akpabio urged him to build upon his remarkable legacy of service as he takes on his new role as Governor of Edo State.
Okpebholo bid farewell to his colleagues in the 10th Senate, expressing gratitude and pledging to remain an ambassador for the Senate as he transitions to his new role.
Okpebholo’s seat is not the only one that is vacant in the 10th Senate.
Persecondnews recalls that the seat of Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South, has remained vacant since his passing away on July 27, 2024, in London.
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