Nigeria, April 1 -- The Senate on Tuesday declared the seats of Enugu North, Nasarawa North, and Rivers South-East Senatorial Districts vacant.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, made the declaration during plenary and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections in the affected districts.

The seats became vacant following the deaths of the lawmakers who previously represented the constituencies. The deceased senators are Okechukuwu Ezea (Enugu North), Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa North), and Barinada Mpigi (Rivers South-East).

Mr Akpabio expressed sadness over the passing of his former colleagues while announcing the vacancies.

He urged INEC to conduct the by-elections in line with constit...