By Samuel Akpan
Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday swore in four new lawmakers to fill vacancies in the Red Chamber.
The fresh appointments follow recent by-elections triggered by the deaths of three senators and a new diplomatic assignment.
The newly inaugurated lawmakers are Olaka Nwogu (PDP, Rivers South-East), Envulu Anza (APC, Nasarawa North), Ikeje Asogwu (APC, Enugu North), and Prof. Dayo Faduyile (APC, Ondo South).
Three of the seats became vacant following the passing of Senators Barinada Mpigi (Rivers South-East), Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa North), and Okechukwu Ezea (Enugu North).
The Ondo South seat opened up after Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim resigned to take up his new role as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Persecondnews recalls that the Independent National Electoral Commission had on June 30 conducted by-elections to allow voters in the affected districts to choose their new representatives.
Senate Clerk Emmanuel Odo conducted the administration of the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office to the four lawmakers on the floor of the chamber.
In his address, Akpabio congratulated the senators on their electoral successes and urged them to always place the broader national interest above partisan considerations when performing their duties.
He described the Senate as a distinguished family in one of the world’s most elite clubs and emphasised that the lawmakers now represent the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria, not merely their political parties.
Akpabio also recommended that the new members familiarise themselves with the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders amended in 2023 to enhance their effectiveness in legislative matters.
Among the dignitaries who attended the swearing-in were Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Kayode Ajulo.