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December 21, 2023 Akpabio Declares Senate Seats Of Umahi, Geidam Vacant

Akpabio Declares Senate Seats Of Umahi, Geidam Vacant

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared vacant the seats of Dave Umahi of Ebonyi South Senatorial District and Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe East Senatorial District following their assumption of office as ministers.

The Senate, therefore, asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections to fill the vacant seats immediately.

Umahi and Geidam were inaugurated as members of the 10th National Assembly in June but resigned in August after President Bola Tinubu appointed them as members of his cabinet.

While Umahi is the Minister of Works, Geidam is the Minister of Police Affairs.

In another vein, the senate president swore in Plateau State, Simon Lalong, as Senator for Plateau South after he resigned as Labour Minister.

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November 21, 2023 We’ll Make It Mandatory For INEC To Upload Results – Senate

We’ll Make It Mandatory For INEC To Upload Results – Senate

The Senate Committee on Electoral Matters has announced its intention to mandate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish election results online.

Speaking with Channels TV on Tuesday, the committee chairman, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, explained that the existing law does not obligate INEC to upload results, but the committee is actively working on amending the legislation.

Senator Alli stated, "That is one of the things that we are going to do. Under the current law, INEC doesn't need to upload results, that is what the court has said. But as we are going forward, it is going to be mandatory."

In addition to this proposed change, the committee is considering various electoral reforms. Alli mentioned that they suggest the resolution of all pre-election matters before the election and enhancing election technology.

"We looked at elections and election petitions. Regarding legislation about election petitions, we think all pre-election matters are resolved before the election. We are also looking at a situation where election petitions are concluded before swearing in," explained Alli.

The committee is contemplating establishing a specific timeframe for filing and concluding election petitions to prevent individuals from being sworn in while disputes are ongoing. Alli highlighted that this consideration addresses the issue of off-cycle elections, which could have been avoided if election petitions were resolved before the swearing-in ceremony.

Furthermore, the committee is focusing on developing and improving election technology. Senator Alli acknowledged the past disappointment with using the IReV and assured that efforts will be made to ensure that INEC addresses any technological challenges in the future.

October 25, 2023 Senate Swears In Yohanna As Abbo’s Replacement

Senate Swears In Yohanna As Abbo’s Replacement

On Wednesday, the Senate administered the oath of office to Amos Yohanna, the new Senator representing Adamawa North Senatorial District. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, conducted the swearing-in ceremony.

Yohanna, a member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), assumes the position, succeeding Abbo, who was removed by the Appeal Court the previous week. Abbo was a member of the All-Progressives Congress (APC).

The Court of Appeal in Abuja delivered the judgment, which compelled Abbo's removal. A three-member panel, with Justice C.E. Nwosu-Iheme presiding, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a Certificate of Return to Yohanna as the duly elected representative of the Adamawa North Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

READ ALSO: Akpabio Not Behind My Removal, Embattled Senator Abbo Apologised

This ruling overturned the earlier decision by the tribunal, which had upheld Abbo's victory as the senatorial election winner. INEC had initially declared Abbo the winner of the parliamentary election held on February 25, 2023. Discontented with this outcome, the PDP and Yohanna had lodged a petition with the tribunal to challenge the results.

The tribunal, however, had dismissed Yohanna's petition, finding it lacking in merit. Unsatisfied with this verdict, the PDP candidate, represented by his counsel, Johnson Usman, SAN, took the case to the Appeal Court. The Court of Appeal, after hearing arguments from both sides, concurred with Usman's argument, citing Section 137 of the Electoral Act, 2022, to highlight a lack of compliance with the Electoral Act. Consequently, the court deducted the invalid votes from both parties and declared Yohanna and the PDP as the winners based on the majority of lawful votes.

Following this judgment, Senator Abbo expressed his discontent, labelling it a blow to democracy. However, he urged his supporters to remain calm.

October 19, 2023 Senate President Godswill Akpabio Addresses Red Chamber Crisis

Senate President Godswill Akpabio Addresses Red Chamber Crisis

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said that the lawmakers are working in synergy despite disagreements on the Senate floor.

Akpabio said the senators will never resort to physical fights, no matter the level of debate or dissenting views during proceedings.

Senator Akpabio spoke to journalists after meeting with President Bola Tinubu behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

His visit comes barely 24 hours after the senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, stormed out of the chamber after being ruled out of order.

READ ALSO: Senate In Emergency Executive Session As Chief Whip, Ndume Stages Walkout

Akpabio said in a democracy, the minority will have their say, while the majority will always have their way.

The senate president said he only visited President Tinubu to inform him of the first 10th Assembly retreat in Akwa Ibom State.

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