The Senate has declared the seat of Senator Monday Okpebholo, representing Edo Central Senatorial district, vacant.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the vacancy during the plenary after reading a letter from the minority leader, Abba Moro, requesting that the seat be declared vacant following the occupant’s inauguration as a governor.
The seat was earlier occupied by Monday Okpebholo, who was elected as governor of Edo state in September and subsequently sworn into office in December.
Since Okpebholo’s inauguration, Edo Central Senatorial District has been left unrepresented in the Senate.
In the letter to the senate president, Moro, the senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, demanded that the Senate leadership declare the Edo Central seat vacant in line with Paragraph D of Section 68 of the Nigerian Constitution.
“I write to bring to your attention Paragraph D of Section 68 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, that the seat of Senator Monday Okpebholo, representing Edo Central Senatorial District, has become vacant.
“This vacancy has become necessary following Senator Monday Okpebholo’s inauguration as governor of Edo State, and in accordance with the Constitution, his seat is now deemed vacant, and we invite you to declare,” the letter reads.
The minority leader also requested that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) immediately conduct a by-election election for the senatorial district to fill the vacant position.
“I respectfully request that you declare the seat of Edo Central Senatorial District vacant in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution and request the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to immediately conduct fresh elections to fill the vacancy accordingly.”
After declaring the seat vacant, Akpabio thereafter called on the electoral commission to immediately conduct a by-election for the senatorial district to fill the vacant position.
“So in line with your letter and the Constitution, the seat of Edo Central central senatorial district is hereby declared vacant, and INEC is accordingly invited to conduct fresh elections to fill the seat left by Senator Monday Okpebholo,” Akpabio said.
Meanwhile, in a valedictory speech presented to the entire members of the 10th Senate, Okpebholo who first reeled out his entire journey in the Red Chamber, said he could not take the “warm” relationship he shared with the lawmakers for granted.
“Distinguished colleagues, this is quite emotional for me. From the moment I joined this 10th Senate in June 2023, every moment at the Red Chambers has remained especially memorable.
“We saw ourselves as forerunners of democracy, and we wanted the best for the nation. Barely one year in the Senate, I left to pursue the dream of becoming Governor. Today 1 am Governor of Edo state.
“There is no way my story can be told without my distinguished colleagues here. The support, advice and prayers were awesome.
“Let me particularly thank the uncommon Senate President; Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCFR, his support and encouragement throughout my campaign period were truly uncommon.
“To my Distinguished Deputy Senate President; Senator Barau Jibrin, your words of advice were great political wisdom. My Senate Majority leader; Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. I say thank you for being a brother always. My consultations with you were never regretted.
“My other principal officers and indeed the entire Senators of this 10th Senate, this is a homecoming for me.
“The warm relationship among us, here in the chambers, can not be over-emphasised.
“Even as Governor, the memories of the 10th Senate still linger in me. But one thing will assure you, will – remain your ambassador as I drive governance from the executive branch of government.
“My involvements in the business of legislation have helped to drive my passion for good governance, particularly in infrastructure development, Security, education, health and so on in my new role as Governor.
“We worked together, we gained successes together and we must always be proud of each other wherever.
“I want to express my gratitude to some of my close friends here, including Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Senator Babangida Husseini Uba, and Senator Abdulaziz Yari just to mention a few.
“Thank you for standing by me throughout the campaign exercises.
“To all of you, I want to say Obilu!”, he said.
