Akpabio swears in four new senators after by-elections

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday swore in four newly elected senators following their victories in the recent by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The lawmakers are Olaka Nwogu of the Peoples Democratic Party, representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District; Envulu Anza of the All Progressives Congress, representing Nasarawa North; Ikeje Asogwu of the APC, representing Enugu North; and Dayo Faduyile of the APC, representing Ondo South.

Their inauguration followed the by-elections held last Saturday to fill vacancies in the four senatorial districts.

The Rivers South-East seat became vacant following the death of former senator Barinada Mpigi, while Anza emerged as senator for Nasarawa North after the death of Godiya Akwashiki. Asogwu succeeded the late Okechukwu Ezea, while Faduyile filled the vacancy created by the appointment of former senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Recall that INEC presented certificates of return to the new senators on Tuesday.

The Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office to the four lawmakers during plenary.

Welcoming the senators to the Red Chamber, Akpabio congratulated them on their election and urged them to prioritise national interest in the discharge of their legislative duties.

He described the Senate as “a family of the most elite club in the world” and reminded the lawmakers that they now represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria, rather than their respective political parties.

The Senate President also advised them to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders, as amended in 2023, to enable them effectively carry out their responsibilities.

Among dignitaries present at the swearing-in ceremony were Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, among others