By Tony Okafor
The people of Anambra South Senatorial District have been without representation in the Senate for over six months, following the demise of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in July 2024.
This vacuum has undoubtedly left them feeling disenfranchised and unrepresented.
The Constitution is clear: a bye-election should be conducted within 90 days after the vacancy occurs.
However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) claims it has not received official notification from the Senate about the vacancy.
This lack of communication is unacceptable and has led to an undue delay in filling the vacant seat.
The people of Anambra South Senatorial District deserve representation, and it is the Senate’s responsibility to ensure that this right is upheld.
We urge the Senate to take immediate action and notify INEC about the vacancy, paving the way for a bye-election to be conducted.
The delay has sparked speculation about different interests, with some suggesting that the Senate seat is being treated as a hereditament.
The focus should not be on political maneuvering, but rather on ensuring that the people of Anambra South have a representative in the Senate.
We call on the Senate to prioritize the democratic rights of the people of Anambra South Senatorial District and take immediate action to fill the vacant seat.
A legislative seat, unlike an executive seat, is as transient as the waves; further delay in conducting the Anambra South Senatorial District election would drastically shorten the seat’s lifespan to the detriment of the people.
The Constitution must be upheld, and the people’s right to representation must be respected.
