'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
Daily Courier – The Nigerian National Assembly on Wednesday made significant announcements, declaring two legislative seats vacant following the transition of their occupants to executive positions in Edo State.
Senate Bids Farewell to Governor Okpebholo, Declares Edo Central Seat Vacant
The Senate held a valedictory session for Monday Okpebholo, who represented Edo Central Senatorial District before his election as Governor of Edo State.
Okpebholo, a member of the 10th Senate and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared winner of the gubernatorial election on September 21 and officially sworn in on November 12.
During the session, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), a former governor of Edo State, praised Okpebholo’s qualities, describing him as “humble, resourceful, committed, and intelligent.” He lauded the new governor for already making an impact in just 30 days in office, saying, “Edo people are aware there is a new governor in town: humble, resourceful, committed, intelligent, few words but maximum action.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio formally declared the Edo Central Senatorial seat vacant, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize a by-election to fill the position.
House of Representatives Declares Ovia North-East/South-West Seat Vacant
Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, declared the Ovia North-East/Ovia South-West Federal Constituency seat vacant. This follows the election and inauguration of its former occupant, Dennis Idahosa, as Deputy Governor of Edo State.
The decision was prompted by a letter from House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, who urged the House to act in line with the law and notify INEC to initiate the process for electing a new representative.
“Now that the member representing Ovia North-East/Ovia South-West Federal Constituency of Edo State has been elected and sworn in as the Deputy Governor of the State, his seat should be declared vacant,” Ihonvbere wrote.
Speaker Abbas affirmed the request, saying, “With this announcement, it is my pleasure to declare the seat of Ovia North-East/Ovia South-West Federal Constituency vacant.”
INEC to Conduct By-Elections
The declarations pave the way for INEC to organize by-elections to fill both vacant seats, ensuring continued representation for the affected constituencies in the National Assembly.
These developments highlight the shifting political dynamics in Edo State, as former lawmakers transition to key executive roles while maintaining the legislative process’s integrity.
