Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday inaugurated four senators elected during the recent by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
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‎The lawmakers sworn into office are Olaka Nwogu of the Peoples Democratic Party, representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District; Envulu Anza of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Nasarawa North; Ikeje Asogwu of the APC for Enugu North; and Dayo Faduyile of the APC for Ondo South.
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‎Their emergence followed by-elections held to fill vacant seats in the Senate.
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‎The vacancies arose from different circumstances. The Rivers South-East and Nasarawa North seats became vacant following the deaths of Senators Barinada Mpigi and Godiya Akwashiki respectively. In Enugu North, Asogwu succeeded the late Okechukwu Ezea, while Faduyile replaced former Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who was appointed Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
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‎The swearing-in ceremony came a day after INEC presented certificates of return to the newly elected lawmakers.
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‎During plenary, Clerk of the Senate Emmanuel Odo administered both the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Office to the senators.
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‎Addressing the lawmakers, Akpabio congratulated them on their victories and urged them to place national interest above partisan considerations while carrying out their legislative responsibilities.
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‎He reminded them that their mandate now extends beyond their political parties to representing the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Senate President also encouraged them to study the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders, as amended in 2023, to enhance their effectiveness in office.
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‎Several dignitaries witnessed the inauguration, including Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo.
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