The two chambers of the National Assembly on Wednesday at plenary declared the seats hitherto occupied by Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon Denis Idahosa vacant and invited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct bye-elections to fill the vacancies.

While Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, declared the seat of Senator Monday Okpebholo, representing Edo Central Senatorial district, vacant, the Speaker of the House of Reps, Rt. Hon Abbas Tajudeen, also officially declared the seat of Edo State Deputy Governor Denis Idahosa vacant. This declaration follows a request made by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, who read a letter on the floor of the House.

They were both elected Governor and Deputy Governor of Edo State in the September 21 governorship election, they were inaugurated on November 12.

The Senate held a valedictory session for Senator Okpebholo where Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged the governor to keep his legacy of good works as he carries out his duties as governor of Edo state.

Okpebholo Bids Senate Goodbye
In his valedictory speech, Senator Okpebholo said: “Distinguished colleagues, this is quite emotional for me. From the moment I joined this 10th Senate in June 2023, every moment at the Red Chambers has remained especially memorable.

“We saw ourselves as forerunners of democracy, and we wanted the best for the nation. Barely one year in the Senate, I left to pursue the dream of becoming governor. Today I am Governor of Edo State.

“There is no way my story can be told without my distinguished colleagues here. The support, advice and prayers were awesome.

“Let me particularly thank the uncommon Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his support and encouragement throughout my campaign period.

“To my Distinguished Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, your words of advice were great political wisdom. My Senate Majority leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. I say thank you for being a brother. My consultations with you were never regretted.

“My other principal officers and indeed the entire senators of this 10th Senate, this is a homecoming for me. The warm relationship among us, here in the chambers, cannot be over-emphasized.

“My involvement in the business of legislation has helped to drive my passion for good governance, particularly in infrastructure development, security, education, health and so on in my new role as governor.

“We worked together, we gained successes together and we must always be proud of each other wherever.

“I want to express my gratitude to some of my close friends here, including Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Senator Babangida Husseini Uba, and Senator Abdulaziz Yari just to mention a few.”