ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday inaugurated four newly elected senators who emerged victorious in the recent by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The new lawmakers are Olaka Nwogu of the Peoples Democratic Party, 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 swearing-in followed the by-elections conducted last Saturday to fill vacant seats in the Senate arising from deaths and political appointments.
Nwogu was elected to replace the late Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District before his death. Anza emerged as the new senator for Nasarawa North following the death of Godiya Akwashiki, while Asogwu succeeded the late Okechukwu Ezea in Enugu North.
Faduyile, on his part, filled the vacancy created by the appointment of former senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
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The inauguration came a day after INEC presented certificates of return to the four lawmakers following their victories at the polls.
During plenary, the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, administered both the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Office, formally ushering the senators into the Red Chamber.
Addressing the lawmakers shortly after the ceremony, Akpabio congratulated them on their electoral victories and urged them to place national interest above partisan considerations while carrying out their legislative responsibilities.
The Senate President reminded the new members that their primary obligation was now to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not to the political parties under whose platforms they were elected.
Describing the Senate as “a family of the most elite club in the world,” Akpabio encouraged the lawmakers to work collaboratively and uphold the institution’s traditions and responsibilities.
He also advised them to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders, as amended in 2023, noting that a sound understanding of the guiding documents would enhance their effectiveness as legislators.
Among dignitaries who witnessed the inauguration were Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, alongside other guests and government officials.