Following their elections as Edo State Governor and Deputy ,the Senate and the State’s House of Assembly,yesterday declared Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa’s seats vacant respectively.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, declared the Edo Central Senatorial seat formerly occupied by Okpebholo vacant following a formal request by the Minority Leader, Abba Moro.
The announcement was made during plenary after Akpabio read Moro’s letter, which called for the seat to be declared vacant due to its occupant’s inauguration as governor.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly Abbas Tajudeen today declared the Idahosa’s vacant.
In his letter, Moro, representing Benue South Senatorial District, urged the Senate leadership to act per Paragraph D of Section 68 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates the declaration of a legislative seat vacant when its occupant assumes an executive role.
The Minority Leader urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promptly organise a by-election for the Edo Central Senatorial District to fill the vacant seat.
“In line with your letter and constitutional provisions, the seat of the Edo Central Senatorial District is hereby declared vacant. INEC is hereby invited to conduct fresh elections to fill the position previously occupied by Senator Monday Okpebholo,” Akpabio declared.
Reacting, Okpebholo, in a statement on his X page today, described it as an honour to serve as a Senator and a privilege to work alongside exceptional colleagues in the chamber.
He expressed deep gratitude for the support and camaraderie of his colleagues, the guidance of their leaders, and the trust of the people who made it all possible.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly Abbas Tajudeen today declared the seat of Dennis Idahosa vacant.
Idahosa represented Ovia North East/Ovia South West Federal Constituency of Edo State before he was sworn in as deputy governor.
