by By Elijah Ugani – Cabalar
The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, has declared vacant Cross River North Senatorial District seat.
The declaration comes on the heels of the demise of the late Sen. Rose Oko, who until her death was the senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District.
In a release signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voters Education, Mr. Festus Okoye Esq., indicates that the commission has received official declaration of vacancies for 4 senatorial districts and read reports of the passing of a senator and 4 members of some State Houses of Assembly.
The release reads in part “It is to be noted that in additional to the Governorship election in Edo and Ondo States, the Commission has received official declaration of vacancies for 4 Senatorial Districts and read reports of the passing of a senator and 4 members of some State Houses of Assembly.
“As at today, the Commission is planning for nine (9) bye-elections across seven (7) states of the federation as follows:
Bayelsa Central Senatorial District
Bayelsa West Senatorial District
Imo North Senatorial District
Plateau South Senatorial District
Cross River North Senatorial District
Nganzai State Constituency, Borno State
Bayo State Constituency, Borno State
Nasarawa Central State Constituency, Nasarawa State
Bakori State Constituency, Katsina State.
“The provision of the policy on conducting Elections in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic shall also apply to the conduct of these elections.
“In conclusion, the Commission urges all Nigerians to adhere strictly to the Covid-19 protocols issued by the health authorities”
This declaration is coming barely seventy-two (72) hours when a front line contender for the PDP ticket to context the by-election for the Cross River Northern Senatorial seat, Dr. Stephen Odey had stated that he has not started campaigns, stating that INEC was yet to declare the seat vacant.
Odey was reacting to the allegations of inviting the leadership of Northern Cross River State Students and President of the five local government areas that made up the Northern Senatorial district for a meeting and abandoned them.
An allegation that Odey referred to as unnecessary accusations and attacks, dissociated himself and stated that he did not invite nor see students in his office and wonder why he will invite students when INEC was yet to declare the seat vacant.
With the recent declaration by the electoral body, it is unclear whether Dr. Odey will commence campaigns.
