Akpabio Swears in Four New Senators After By‑Elections

By Henry Umoru

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, swore in four newly elected senators on Wednesday after their victories in recent bye‑elections held by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The new members are Olaka Nwogu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who will represent Rivers South East; Envulu Anza of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who will represent Nasarawa North; Ikeje Asogwu of the APC, who will represent Enugu North; and Dayo Faduyile of the APC, who will represent Ondo South.

The inauguration followed the bye‑elections conducted last Saturday to fill vacancies in the four senatorial districts.

INEC declared the Rivers South East seat vacant after the death of Barinada Mpigi, which enabled Nwogu’s election.

Anza was elected for Nasarawa North after the death of Godiya Akwaashiki, while Asogwu succeeded the late Okechukwu Ezea. Faduyile’s election followed the appointment of Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Clerk of the Senate Emmanuel Odo administered the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Office to the four senators during the plenary session.

Akpabio welcomed the new lawmakers, calling the Senate “a family of the most elite club in the world” and inviting them to the Red Chamber.

He urged the senators to focus on advancing national development and reminded them that they now represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not just their political parties.

The Senate President also advised the new members to study the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders, as amended in 2023, to carry out their legislative duties effectively.

Among the dignitaries present at the swearing‑in ceremony were Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Ondo State Attorney‑General and Commissioner for Justice Kayode Ajulo, among others.