PRESIDENT of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday swore in four newly elected senators following their victories in the recent by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
News Point Nigeria reports that the newly inaugurated lawmakers are Olaka Nwogu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District; Envulu Anza of the All Progressives Congress (APC), representing Nasarawa North; Ikeje Asogwu of the APC, representing Enugu North; and Dayo Faduyile of the APC, representing Ondo South Senatorial District.
Their inauguration followed the by-elections conducted last Saturday to fill vacancies that arose in the four senatorial districts.
The Rivers South-East seat became vacant following the death of former senator, Barinada Mpigi, while Anza emerged as senator for Nasarawa North after the death of Godiya Akwashiki.
Similarly, Asogwu succeeded the late Okechukwu Ezea as senator representing Enugu North, while Faduyile filled the vacancy created by the appointment of former senator, Jimoh Ibrahim, as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
This newspaper reports further that INEC presented certificates of return to the four senators-elect on Tuesday, paving the way for their formal inauguration into the Red Chamber.
During plenary, the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the newly elected lawmakers.
Welcoming them into the Senate, Akpabio congratulated the senators on their electoral victories and urged them to place national interest above all other considerations in the discharge of their legislative responsibilities.
The Senate President described the Red Chamber as “a family of the most elite club in the world” and reminded the lawmakers that they now represent the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria rather than their respective political parties.
He also advised them to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders, as amended in 2023, to enable them effectively perform their legislative duties.
Akpabio stressed the importance of understanding the rules governing parliamentary proceedings and encouraged the lawmakers to contribute meaningfully to national development through quality legislation and effective representation.
Among the dignitaries who attended the swearing-in ceremony were the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, alongside other prominent guests and government officials.
