ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday swore in four newly elected senators following victories in recent by-elections conducted by Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The new lawmakers are Olaka Nwogu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Rivers South-East; 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 came after by-elections held last Saturday to fill vacancies created by deaths and appointments. Nwogu replaces the late Barinada Mpigi, Anza succeeds Godiya Akwashiki, Asogwu takes over from Okechukwu Ezea, and Faduyile fills the seat vacated when Jimoh Ibrahim was appointed Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office during plenary. Akpabio congratulated the lawmakers and urged them to prioritize national interest over party loyalty. He described the Senate as “a family of the most elite club in the world” and reminded them that they now represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Akpabio also advised the senators to familiarize themselves with the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders, amended in 2023, to effectively carry out their responsibilities.
Among dignitaries present were Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the state’s Attorney-General, Kayode Ajulo.
The swearing-in underscores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to maintain legislative continuity despite political and institutional disruptions. Globally, parliamentary systems often face similar challenges when vacancies arise, with by-elections serving as a mechanism to ensure representation and stability.
