Akpabio Swears In Four New Senators After By-Election Victories

Their inauguration followed by-elections held last Saturday to fill vacancies across the four senatorial districts.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday swore in four newly elected senators following their victories in recent by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The new lawmakers are Olaka Nwogu of the Peoples Democratic Party, representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District; Envulu Anza of the All Progressives Congress, representing Nasarawa North; Ikeje Asogwu, also of the APC, representing Enugu North; and Dayo Faduyile of the APC, representing Ondo South.

Their inauguration followed by-elections held last Saturday to fill vacancies across the four senatorial districts.

The Rivers South-East seat fell vacant after the death of former Senator Barinada Mpigi, while Anza’s election to represent Nasarawa North came after the death of Godiya Akwashiki. Asogwu succeeded the late Okechukwu Ezea, and Faduyile filled the vacancy created by the appointment of former Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

INEC had presented certificates of return to the four senators on Tuesday.

The Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office to the lawmakers during plenary.

Welcoming them to the Red Chamber, Akpabio congratulated the senators on their election and urged them to prioritise national interest in the discharge of their legislative duties.

“You now represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not your respective political parties,” he reminded them.

The Senate President also advised the new lawmakers to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders, as amended in 2023, to enable them carry out their responsibilities effectively.