This decision came after Okpebholo made a final visit to the senate chamber to bid farewell to his colleagues, marking the end of his tenure as a senator.
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 is as it also appointed Sen. Olajide Ipisagbe (APC, Ondo north) to replace Okpebholo as the chairman of the senate committee on public procurement.
This decision came after Okpebholo made a final visit to the senate chamber to bid farewell to his colleagues, 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.
In the letter, Sen. Moro emphasized the need to declare the seat vacant since Okpebholo, now focused on his gubernatorial duties, would be unable to fulfill his legislative responsibilities. He further noted his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is keenly interested in reclaiming the seat for Edo central.
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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.
Following the reading of the letter, there were no objections from the senators, and the declaration was approved without contest.
