Abuja: Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has declared three Senate seats vacant following the deaths of members of the 10th Senate. Akpabio made the announcement during Tuesday’s plenary, describing the development as a tragic loss to the legislature.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, these unfortunate events necessitate midterm elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill the affected seats. Akpabio cited provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, in declaring the vacancies.
He specified the vacant seats as Enugu State – Enugu North Senatorial District, Nasarawa State – Nasarawa North Senatorial District, and Rivers – Rivers South-East Senatorial District. Akpabio directed INEC to conduct by-elections within the stipulated constitutional timeframe, which is approximately 30 days from the date of the declaration.
Akpabio expressed his condolences, praying for the souls of the departed colleagues, and announced that the Senate would adjourn plenary until April 21 for the Easter break.