Senate President Godswill Akpabio has officially declared three seats in the Nigerian Senate vacant following the deaths of the lawmakers who represented the affected districts. The announcement was made during plenary on Tuesday, as the Senate mourned the loss of its members.
According to Vanguard on Tuesday, Akpabio said the decision to declare the seats vacant was in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He described the situation as a result of “the tragedies that have befallen the 10th Senate,” noting that the upper legislative chamber has lost respected members whose contributions will be greatly missed.
The affected senatorial districts are Enugu North in Enugu State, Nasarawa North in Nasarawa State, and Rivers South-East in Rivers State. These districts were previously represented by Senators Okechukwu Ezea, Godiya Akwashiki, and Barinada Mpigi respectively.
According to Akpabio, the declaration of the vacant seats is necessary to ensure that the affected constituencies continue to have representation in the National Assembly. He stressed that the constitution provides clear guidelines for filling such vacancies, especially when they occur due to the death of a serving lawmaker.
Following the declaration, the Senate President directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections to fill the vacant seats. He stated that the elections should be held within the constitutionally required timeframe, which is about 30 days from the date of the declaration.
Akpabio also instructed the Clerk of the National Assembly to formally communicate the development to INEC to enable the electoral body begin preparations for the by-elections. This step is expected to set in motion the process that will lead to the election of new representatives for the affected districts.
While addressing the Senate, Akpabio paid tribute to the deceased lawmakers, describing them as dedicated public servants who contributed meaningfully to national development. He prayed for the repose of their souls and extended condolences to their families, colleagues, and constituents.
The deaths of the three senators have created a temporary gap in representation for the affected regions, making the planned by-elections crucial for restoring full legislative participation. Political observers believe the upcoming elections may attract significant attention, as political parties prepare to contest for the vacant seats.
The development highlights the importance of constitutional procedures in maintaining the continuity of governance, even in the face of unexpected events such as the death of public office holders. It also underscores the role of INEC in ensuring that democratic processes are upheld through timely elections.
Report revealed that the Senate is committed to following due process in handling the vacancies, while also honoring the memory of the late lawmakers.
As preparations for the by-elections begin, stakeholders and citizens in the affected districts are expected to closely monitor the process, which will determine their next representatives in the Senate.
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