Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has formally declared the seats of three senatorial districts vacant following the deaths of their distinguished occupants.
The affected districts are: Enugu North Senatorial District (Enugu State), previously represented by the late Senator Okechukwu Ezea, Nasarawa North Senatorial District (Nasarawa State), previously represented by the late Senator Godiya Akwaashiki
Rivers South-East Senatorial District (Rivers State), previously represented by the late Senator Barinada Mpigi
Announcing the development during plenary on Tuesday, Senate President Akpabio expressed deep regret over the losses and paid tribute to the departed lawmakers.
“Due to the tragedies that have befallen the 10th Senate, vacancies have been created for midterm elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that we fill the seats left vacant by the demise of our colleagues,” Akpabio stated.
He added: “Accordingly, and in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I hereby declare the following senatorial seats vacant: Enugu North Senatorial District, Nasarawa North Senatorial District, Rivers South-East Senatorial District
“In compliance with constitutional provisions, INEC is hereby mandated to conduct by-elections to fill these vacancies within the stipulated timeframe of approximately 30 days from the date of this declaration.”
Akpabio concluded by offering prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased senators: “May the souls of our departed colleagues rest in perfect peace.”
The declaration paves the way for fresh polls in the three districts, in accordance with Section 76 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, to ensure continued and effective representation of the affected zones in the 10th Senate.