Akpabio declared three Senate seats vacant

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has declared three Senate seats vacant following the death of members of the upper house of the legislature.

Akpabio made the announcement at Tuesday’s plenary session in Abuja and described the development as a tragic loss for the legislature.

He said: “This unfortunate incident necessitated mid-term elections to be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill the affected seats.”

He cited the provisions of the 1999 Constitution which stated this vacancy.

He added: “Enugu State – Enugu North Senatorial District is hereby declared vacant.

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“Nasarawa State – Nasarawa North Senatorial District is hereby declared vacant.

“The Rivers South East Senatorial District is hereby declared vacant.”

The Senate President directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold the by-elections within the time period specified by the constitution.

“The time is approximately 30 days from the date of this declaration. May the spirits of our colleagues who have passed away receive perfect peace,” he prayed.

The Senate has postponed its plenary session until April 21 for the Easter holiday.