Governor Okpebholo’s farewell, the declaration of his seat vacant, and a resolution for urgent repairs of a long-neglected road dominated today’s senate plenary.
Akpabio appoints ex-senate clerk as chief of staff
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has announced the appointment of Chinedu Francis Akubueze, the outgoing Clerk of the Senate, as his new Chief of Staff. The announcement was made during Tuesday’s plenary, where Akpabio commended Akubueze’s years of dedication and service to the National Assembly.
Akubueze is retiring after serving as Senate Clerk since March 4, 2022, and reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60. He succeeds Sylvester Okonkwo, the former Chief of Staff, who has been appointed as the Executive Director of the newly established South East Development Commission.
Senate declares Edo central seat vacant
The Senate has officially declared the Edo Central Senatorial seat vacant following the inauguration of its former occupant, Monday Okpebholo, as the Governor of Edo State. The announcement was made during Wednesday’s plenary after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a letter submitted by Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro.
This decision came after Okpebholo made a final visit to the Senate chamber to bid farewell to the 10th Senate, marking the end of his tenure as a senator. His transition to the governorship left the Edo Central Senatorial District without representation in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.
Responding to the development, Senate President Akpabio directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize a by-election to fill the vacancy as soon as possible, ensuring that the people of Edo Central continue to have representation in the Senate.
READ ALSO: Okpebholo delivers emotional farewell, reflects on time in 10th Senate
Okpebholo delivers emotional farewell
The Senate on Wednesday held a valedictory session for Governor Monday Okpebholo who represented Edo Central in the National Assembly.
Okpebholo had made a final visit to the Senate chamber to bid farewell to the 10th Senate, marking the end of his tenure as a senator
Among his entourage were the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, former deputy governor of the state, Philip shauaibu, former Edo state Senator, Mathew Urhoghide, Prince Odianosen Okojie and other members of the Edo State House of Assembly, amongst others.
Addressing his colleagues in an emotional farewell speech, Okpebholo reflected on his journey in the 10th Senate and his transition to the governorship of Edo State. He assured that he would continue to be a good ambassador of the 10th Senate.
Senators demand swift action on Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene road
The senate has urged the federal ministry of works to promptly allocate and release funds for the completion of the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road during the current dry season.
This call followed the adoption of a motion seeking the rehabilitation of the road to alleviate the longstanding hardships faced by motorists. While presenting the motion, Sen. Austin Akobundu (PDP, Abia Central) highlighted that the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene road, which serves as a critical link between Abia and Akwa Ibom states through Ikwuano Local Government Area, has been in a state of severe disrepair for over three decades.
He expressed frustration over the road’s poor condition despite numerous remedial efforts by successive federal and state administrations. He noted that in response to persistent public outcry from residents of Abia and Akwa Ibom states, the federal government awarded a contract in 2018 for the complete reconstruction and rehabilitation of the road. The project, valued at approximately N13 billion, was assigned to Messrs Hartland Nigeria Limited and Raydon & Company Nigeria Limited.
However, despite the contractors commencing work on the first phase of the project, Sen. Akobundu lamented the exceedingly slow progress, calling for urgent action to address the road’s completion.
BILLS CHART FOR THE DAY
Below is OrderPaper’s signature presentation of bills taken in the Senate plenary today. Readers are invited to contact us for further information via info@orderpaper.ng or WhatsApp via +234 704 700 3031.
