Abuja— Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday, officially declared the Senate seat of Senator Monday Okpebholo, representing Edo Central Senatorial District, vacant. This announcement follows Okpebholo’s recent election as the Governor of Edo State, necessitating his departure from the Red Chamber.
To ensure uninterrupted representation for the people of Edo Central, Akpabio directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a by-election to fill the now-vacant seat without delay. The Senate President emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles by maintaining full representation for all constituencies.
The announcement came during a valedictory session held in honor of Senator Okpebholo, who bid farewell to his colleagues in the 10th Senate.
During the session, Akpabio praised Okpebholo’s contributions to the Senate and urged him to uphold his legacy of effective leadership and commitment to public service in his new role as Governor of Edo State.
“Distinguished colleagues, this is quite emotional for me,” Akpabio remarked. “The camaraderie and dedication Senator Okpebholo brought to the 10th Senate will be sorely missed. As he takes on the mantle of leadership in Edo State, I encourage him to build upon the good works he has already established.”
In his farewell address, Okpebholo expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their unwavering support and reflected on his time in the Senate.
“My time in the Senate has been an unforgettable journey,” he said. “From the moment I joined this 10th Senate in June 2023, every moment at the Red Chamber has remained especially memorable.
“There is no way my story can be told without my distinguished colleagues here. The support, advice, and prayers I received throughout my campaign period were overwhelming. To the uncommon Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Distinguished Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, I owe much gratitude for their encouragement and wisdom.”
Okpebholo highlighted how his legislative experience had fueled his passion for good governance, particularly in infrastructure, education, health, and security. He pledged to channel these lessons into his administration as Governor of Edo State.
Okpebholo extended special thanks to his colleagues, including Senate Majority Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and several close allies, namely Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Senator Babangida Husseini Uba, and Senator Abdulaziz Yari.
“My consultations with them were invaluable, and their friendship will always remain dear to me,” he noted.
Following the valedictory session, Akpabio reiterated the urgency of conducting the by-election in Edo Central. “The Senate will collaborate with INEC to ensure the people of Edo Central Senatorial District are not left without representation,” he stated.
The departure of Senator Okpebholo marks a significant transition in both the Senate and Edo State, as he assumes a role that promises to bring his legislative expertise to bear on the state’s governance.
