Akpabio Declares Umahi, Geidam’s Seats Vacant

The uncertainty over the representation of two senatorial districts is ended as the Senate eventually declares Umahi, Geidam’s seats vacant

The Senate has declared the seats of Senators Dave Umahi and Geidam Ibrahim vacant.

This announcement was made on Wednesday during plenary session by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio who presided over the sitting.

This is coming 126 days and 140 days since Umahi and Geidam left red chamber respectively. Both men held to their seats till now, fueling concerns in their senatorial districts and among political observers.

In the annoucement today, Akpabio said: “Declaration of vacancies in the seats of Ebonyi South Senatorial District and Yobe East Senatorial District. I hereby declare the seats vacant.

“This declaration is in accordance with section 68 subsection 1d, following the assumption of office as Ministers of the government of the Federation of Senator Dave Umahi and Senator Geidam Ibrahim. INEC therefore wishes to commence the process of bye elections immediately.”

Recall that in August, Umahi was appointed minister of works and Geidam minister of police affairs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Also recall that Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru (APC, Kwara South) in October was announced as the new Deputy Leader of the Senate to replace Umahi.