On Wednesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio officially swore in four lawmakers who emerged victorious in recent by-elections organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission. The ceremony took place during the plenary session.
The newly inaugurated senators are Olaka Nwogu from the Peoples Democratic Party, representing Rivers South-East; Envulu Anza from the All Progressives Congress, for Nasarawa North; Ikeje Asogwu, APC, Enugu North; and Dayo Faduyile, APC, Ondo South. These by-elections were necessitated by legislative vacancies resulting from either deaths or official appointments.
Nwogu replaces the late Barinada Mpigi in Rivers South-East, while Anza takes over for the late Godiya Akwashiki in Nasarawa North. In Enugu North, Asogwa succeeds the late Okechukwu Ezea. Meanwhile, Faduyile occupies the seat previously held by Jimoh Ibrahim, who departed to become Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Before the swearing-in, the electoral commission issued certificates of return to the winners on Tuesday. During Wednesday’s session, Senate Clerk Emmanuel Odo facilitated the administration of the oaths of allegiance and office.
Following the inauguration, Akpabio welcomed the members into what he termed the nation’s elite legislative assembly. He advised them to prioritize the interests of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over party affiliations. Furthermore, he reminded the new senators to study the 1999 Constitution and the 2023 Senate Standing Orders to ensure their legislative efforts remain effective and informed.
