Akpabio Swears In New Senators

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

Key Highlights:

• Senate President Godswill Akpabio swore in four new senators following recent INEC by-elections.
• The new senators are Olaka Nwogu, Envulu Anza, Ikeje Asogwu, and Dayo Faduyile.
• The by-elections were held to fill vacancies caused by deaths and a diplomatic appointment.
• The lawmakers received their Certificates of Return from Independent National Electoral Commission before taking their oaths.
• Akpabio urged the new senators to prioritize national interest and familiarize themselves with the Constitution and Senate rules.

The lawmakers inaugurated during plenary 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.

Their inauguration comes after last Saturday’s by-elections, which were held to fill vacancies in the four senatorial districts.

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The Rivers South-East seat became vacant following the death of former Senator Barinada Mpigi, while the Nasarawa North seat was left vacant after the passing of Senator Godiya Akwashiki. In Enugu North, Asogwu succeeded the late Senator Okechukwu Ezea, while Faduyile assumed the Ondo South seat following the appointment of former Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

The new senators received their Certificates of Return from INEC on Tuesday before taking the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office, which were administered by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo.

Congratulating the lawmakers, Akpabio urged them to place national interest above partisan considerations in the performance of their legislative responsibilities.

He described the Senate as “a family of the most elite club in the world” and reminded the new members that their primary duty is to represent the interests of the 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 better equip themselves for their roles.

Among those who attended the swearing-in ceremony were Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo.