Nigeria’s Senate gained four new members on Wednesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio formally swore in lawmakers elected during the recent senatorial by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The newly inaugurated senators are Olaka Nwogu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District; Envulu Anza of the All Progressives Congress (APC), 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 vacant seats in the upper legislative chamber.
The vacancies arose from different circumstances across the affected districts. The Rivers South-East seat became vacant following the death of former senator Barinada Mpigi, while Anza emerged as the new senator for Nasarawa North after the passing of Godiya Akwashiki.
Similarly, Asogwu succeeded the late Okechukwu Ezea, while Faduyile filled the vacancy created when former senator Jimoh Ibrahim was appointed as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The Independent National Electoral Commission presented certificates of return to the newly elected senators on Tuesday, paving the way for their formal inauguration.
During Wednesday’s plenary, Clerk of the Senate Emmanuel Odo administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office to the four lawmakers before they officially took their seats in the Red Chamber.
Welcoming the new senators, Akpabio congratulated them on their electoral victories and urged them to place national interest above partisan considerations in the discharge of their legislative responsibilities.
Describing the Senate as “a family of the most elite club in the world,” the Senate President reminded the lawmakers that their primary responsibility is to represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not merely their political parties or constituencies.
He also encouraged them to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders, as amended in 2023, to ensure effective participation in legislative proceedings.
Among dignitaries present at the swearing-in ceremony were Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Kayode Ajulo, alongside other government officials and guests.
