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Senate Declares Edo Central Senatorial Seat Vacant
By Iyojo Ameh
The Nigerian Senate has formally declared the Edo Central Senatorial District seat vacant, following the swearing-in of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the Executive Governor of Edo State.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, officially communicated the vacancy and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to commence preparations for a by-election to fill the seat.
“This declaration is in line with constitutional provisions, and we call on INEC to ensure a credible and timely process to fill this critical legislative role,” Akpabio stated during the session.
INEC is expected to release a timetable for the by-election in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, political parties are anticipated to begin primaries to nominate candidates for the election.
During a valedictory session held in his honor, Governor Monday Okpebholo expressed deep gratitude to his Senate colleagues, reflecting on his brief but impactful tenure in the legislature. Okpebholo joined the Senate in June 2023 as part of the 10th Assembly.
“Distinguished colleagues, this is quite emotional for me. From the moment I joined this 10th Senate, every moment at the Red Chamber has been especially memorable. We saw ourselves as forerunners of democracy, and we worked tirelessly for the good of our nation,” he remarked.
Okpebholo highlighted how his time in the Senate prepared him for his new role as governor, citing the lessons learned about governance, infrastructure development, education, security, and health.
“My involvement in the business of legislation has fueled my passion for good governance. I will bring these experiences to bear as I lead Edo State,” he added.
The governor reserved special thanks for Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom he credited for offering “uncommon support” during his gubernatorial campaign. He also acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, calling the latter a “brother.”
Okpebholo extended his appreciation to colleagues, including Senators Kaka Shehu Lawan, Babangida Husseini Uba, and Abdulaziz Yari, for their steadfast backing. He assured the Senate of continued collaboration, pledging to remain an ambassador of the legislature even as he governs Edo State.
“The memories of the 10th Senate will linger with me. One thing I assure you is that I will always uphold the ideals of democracy and remain committed to our shared goals,” he concluded.
With the Senate’s declaration, all eyes are now on INEC and political parties as the process to fill the vacant seat for Edo Central begins.
