By Olugbenga Salami
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has officially declared the Ondo South Senatorial seat vacant following Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, UN.
Ibrahim was last week accredited as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative in New York after presenting his Letter of Credence to UN Secretary‑General, António Guterres.
Announcing the vacancy during Tuesday’s plenary, Akpabio said it takes immediate effect in line with constitutional provisions.
He directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to conduct a by‑election to fill the seat within the next 30 days.
Under the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the Senate is required to notify INEC of any vacancy in its membership to initiate a fresh election.
Senator Ibrahim, a businessman and politician, represented Ondo South Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC before his diplomatic appointment.
His presentation of the letter of credence marks the official start of Ibrahim’s duties as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
During the ceremony, Ibrahim conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill, commending Guterres for his leadership and commitment to the principles of the UN Charter at a critical moment in global affairs.
Highlighting Africa’s role within the UN system, Ibrahim said President Tinubu recognizes the continent’s contributions in supporting the Secretary‑General and the G77 plus China bloc during General Assembly deliberations.
He stressed that this backing reinforces the call for a permanent African seat on the UN Security Council, describing such a move as a historic milestone that would strengthen global peace and security, especially across Africa.
