Akpabio swears in four new senators

The Senate on Wednesday swore in four new senators following their emergence in recent bye-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill vacant seats in the upper chamber.

The new lawmakers are Senator Olaka Nwogu (PDP, Rivers South-East), Senator Envulu Anza (APC, Nasarawa North), Senator Ikeje Asogwu (APC, Enugu North) and Senator Dayo Faduyile (APC, Ondo South).

The vacancies arose following the deaths of Senator Barinada Mpigi (Rivers South-East), Senator Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa North) and Senator Okechukwu Ezea (Enugu North), as well as the appointment of former Ondo South senator, Jimoh Ibrahim, as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

The oath of allegiance and oath of office were administered by the Clerk to the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, during plenary.

Read also: Governors seek more powers, funding as Senate considers state police bill Tuesday

Congratulating the new senators, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the Senate as “one of the most elite clubs in the world” and welcomed them to the chamber.

He urged them to remain focused on advancing Nigeria’s development, stressing that they now represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria rather than their respective political parties.

Akpabio also advised the lawmakers to study the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders, as amended in 2023, to enable them discharge their responsibilities effectively.

Among dignitaries present at the swearing-in ceremony were Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo (SAN).

With the inauguration of the four senators, the composition of the Senate now stands at: APC – 88 seats; ADC – 9; PDP – 5; NDC – 3; APGA – 1; and Accord – 1.