This comprehensive guide provides a detailed look at the current Senators representing Abia State in Nigeria’s Senate, including their political backgrounds, parties, and the constituencies they represent.
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List Of Current Senators Representing Abia State
Name | Constituency | Term | Gender | Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Augustine Akobundu | Abia Central | 2023 - now | Male | LP |
Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe | Abia South | 2023 - now | Male | APGA |
Orji Uzor Kalu | Abia North | 2023 - now | Male | APC |
1. Augustine Akobundu
Augustine Akobundu recently took office as the senator representing Abia Central in Nigeria. He replaced Darlington Nwokocha, who was removed from his position by the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, on November 4th, 2023.
Mr. Akobundu, a retired colonel, brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously served as the Minister of State for Defence and as the national organizing secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
During the swearing-in ceremony held in Abuja, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, oversaw the administration of the oath of office to Mr. Akobundu.
Following this, he was warmly welcomed by his fellow senators and was provided with a copy of the Senate standing rules.
Despite initially losing the Abia Central senatorial district election to Mr. Nwokocha, he persevered and filed a petition challenging the outcome.
After facing rejection at the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, he pursued his case to the appellate court, where he emerged victorious.
His ascension to the Senate signifies a new chapter in his political career, and he is poised to represent the interests of the people of Abia Central to the best of his abilities.
2. Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe
Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe, born on March 1, 1955, is a Nigerian politician currently serving as the senator representing Abia South senatorial district since 2007.
He was previously the deputy governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2003. Abaribe has been affiliated with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) since 2022, having been with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before then.
Abaribe gained prominence for his role as the Senate Minority Leader from July 2019 to May 2022. He is known for his outspokenness, particularly regarding national security issues.
In January 2020, he called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign, citing the worsening insecurity in Nigeria and reminding the president of his campaign promises.
Education-wise, Abaribe obtained his WASSCE from Government College Umuahia in 1974. He then pursued economics at the University of Benin, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in the field.
He also had a stint as a lecturer at Edo State University. Abaribe has been involved in the business sector, including managerial roles at SCOA Nigeria and Nicon. He also served as the CEO of Integrated Mortgage Co.
Abaribe’s political career saw him contest for the governorship of Abia State in 2003 under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) but was unsuccessful.
However, he secured a seat in the national Senate in 2007 on a PDP ticket, despite facing challenges to the validity of his election. He has since been re-elected, notably in 2015 and 2023.
In 2018, Abaribe made headlines when he was arrested by the Department of State Security Services (DSS) for his alleged links with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
He was one of the sureties of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu. However, Abaribe was later released on bail after a brief detention.
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3. Orji Uzor Kalu
Orji Uzor Kalu currently serving as the senator representing Abia North Senatorial District. He was governor of Abia State from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2007.
Kalu is known for his role as the chairman of SLOK Holding and the Daily Sun and New Telegraph newspapers in Nigeria. Kalu’s journey into business started with only $35 borrowed from his mother.
He began trading palm oil, expanding to furniture sales and eventually establishing SLOK Holding, a conglomerate with various successful companies.
In the political space, Kalu has been a member of several parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA).
He contested the 2019 Nigerian general election under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and emerged victorious. Kalu’s involvement in politics hasn’t been without controversy.
In 2007, he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on corruption charges during his tenure as governor. He has also faced legal challenges, including a conviction in 2019 for N7.65 billion fraud.
However, the Supreme Court later ruled that his trial was wrongly conducted and ordered a retrial, leading to his release from prison in June 2020.
Aside from Kalu’s contributions in politics and business; he is also known for his philanthropic efforts and involvement in movements like the Njiko Igbo Movement, advocating for Igbo representation in Nigeria’s presidency.