Four newly elected senators were formally inaugurated into the Senate on Wednesday following their victories in the by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) last weekend.
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 Senatorial District; Ikeje Asogwu of the APC, representing Enugu North Senatorial District; and Dayo Faduyile of the APC, representing Ondo South Senatorial District.
The by-elections were organised to fill vacancies created by deaths and appointments that left the affected seats unoccupied.
Nwogu was elected to replace the late Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East. Anza emerged as senator for Nasarawa North following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki.
In Enugu North, Asogwu succeeded the late Senator Okechukwu Ezea, while Faduyile won the Ondo South seat previously occupied by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim before his appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The electoral commission had presented certificates of return to the successful candidates on Tuesday, paving the way for their inauguration.
READ ALSO: PDP Crisis: Only Six Senators Remain After 31 Defections, Natasha Laments
At the commencement of plenary, Clerk of the Senate Emmanuel Odo administered the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Office to the four lawmakers, officially admitting them into the Red Chamber.
Addressing the senators after the ceremony, Senate President Godswill Akpabio congratulated them on their electoral victories and reminded them of the responsibilities that come with their new positions.
He urged the lawmakers to place national interest above party considerations, stressing that their primary duty is to serve the country and the people who elected them.
Akpabio described the Senate as “a family of the most elite club in the world” and advised the new members to quickly familiarise themselves with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders, as amended in 2023.
According to him, a proper understanding of the rules and procedures guiding the Senate would enable them to effectively contribute to legislative business and national development.
Several dignitaries witnessed the swearing-in ceremony, including Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, among other guests.