Senate President Godswill Akpabio has officially declared the seat of Monday Okpebholo at the upper legislative chamber vacant.
The declaration was made on Wednesday during a valedictory session held in honour of Okpebholo, following a request by Abba Moro, the Senate Minority Leader.
Okpebholo, who previously represented Edo Central Senatorial District, vacated his position after assuming office as the Governor of Edo State in November.
His governorship followed his victory in the September election.
Akpabio directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a by-election to fill the vacant seat.
“So in line with your letter and the Constitution, the seat of Edo Central Senatorial District is hereby declared vacant,” Akpabio stated.
Earlier, Moro cited Paragraph D of Section 68 of the Constitution to support his request.
“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,” Moro said.
With Okpebholo’s seat now vacant, and the demise of Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South, the Senate currently has 107 members out of its full complement of 109.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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