Senate Welcomes Four New Senators After By-Elections

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, swore in four new senators on Wednesday. This followed their wins in the recent by-elections held by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The new senators are Olaka Nwogu from the Peoples Democratic Party, representing Rivers South-East; Envulu Anza from the All Progressives Congress, representing Nasarawa North; Ikeje Asogwu from the APC, representing Enugu North; and Dayo Faduyile from the APC, who will represent Ondo South.

Their swearing-in came after the by-elections last Saturday. These elections filled vacancies in four senatorial districts.

The Rivers South-East seat became vacant because of the death of former senator Barinada Mpigi. Anza won for Nasarawa North after the passing of Godiya Akwashiki. Asogwu took over from the late Okechukwu Ezea, and Faduyile filled the spot left by Jimoh Ibrahim’s appointment as Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

INEC gave the new senators their certificates of return on Tuesday, as reported by PUNCH Online. During plenary, the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office to the four lawmakers.

Akpabio welcomed the new senators to the Red Chamber. He congratulated them on their elections and urged them to focus on national interest while carrying out their legislative duties.

He called the Senate “a family of the most elite club in the world.” He reminded them that they now represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not just their political parties.

The Senate President also told them to get familiar with the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders, as updated in 2023. This will help them perform their roles effectively.

Notable guests at the swearing-in ceremony included Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, among others.