The Esan Professionals, led by Kingsley Akhigbe, have urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to declare the seat of Senator Monday Okpebholo vacant due to his prolonged absence from the Senate.
Okpebholo, who represents Edo Central Senatorial District and is the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the upcoming Edo State election, has been accused of neglecting his legislative duties for over five months, prioritizing his political ambitions over the needs of his constituents.
The group argues that Okpebholo’s absence has violated the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which requires a Senator to attend at least 180 days in a calendar year. As Okpebholo’s absence exceeds one-third of this period, the group believes he is ineligible to hold his seat.
“Senator Okpebholo has been absent from the Senate floor and legislative chambers for several months, neglecting his legislative duties and representation of his constituents,” Akhigbe stated in the petition....Read Full Article [Click Here>]
The group expressed concern that Okpebholo’s absence has deprived the people of Edo Central of representation. They cited examples of Senators who pursued governorship ambitions without abandoning their legislative responsibilities, such as Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State.
“Governor Diri was present in the Senate and diligently carried out his duties as a contestant until his inauguration as governor,” Akhigbe noted.
The Esan Professionals urged Senate President Akpabio to declare Okpebholo’s seat vacant and direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a by-election to ensure effective representation for the people of Edo Central.
