Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday declared the seat of Senator Monday Okpebholo, representing Edo Central Senatorial district, vacant.

This comes as Senator Okpebholo bids farewell to the 10th Senate, following his election as Governor of Edo State.

Akpabio also asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections as soon as possible to fill the vacant seat. This move is aimed at ensuring that the people of Edo Central Senatorial district continue to have representation in the Senate.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the declarations after a valedictory session for Okpebholo organised by the Senate.

Akpabio urged Okpbeholo to keep his legacy of good works as he carries out his duties as governor of Edo state.

He 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 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, Senator Abdulaziz Yari just to mention a few.”