Four Bye-Election Winners Officially Join Senate, Akpabio Urges Focus on National Interest

June 24 () — Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday swore in four newly elected senators following their victories in the recent by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging them to place national interest above partisan considerations in the discharge of their legislative responsibilities.

The newly inaugurated lawmakers are Olaka Nwogu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District; Danladi Envulu Anza of the All Progressives Congress (APC), 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.

Their inauguration followed the June 20 by-elections conducted by INEC to fill vacancies in the four senatorial districts.

The Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office to the lawmakers during plenary, formally ushering them into the Red Chamber.

Welcoming the senators, Akpabio congratulated them on their electoral victories and reminded them that their election imposed a responsibility that transcends party affiliations.

He urged the lawmakers to dedicate themselves to the service of the nation and their constituents, stressing that they now represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not merely their political parties.

According to the Senate President, membership of the upper legislative chamber demands patriotism, commitment to democratic values and adherence to constitutional principles.

Describing the Senate as “a family of the most elite club in the world,” Akpabio encouraged the lawmakers to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate Standing Orders, as amended in 2023, to effectively carry out their legislative duties.

He noted that a thorough understanding of parliamentary procedures and constitutional requirements would enable them to contribute meaningfully to lawmaking, oversight functions and representation.

The vacancies that led to the by-elections arose under different circumstances.

The Rivers South-East Senatorial seat became vacant following the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi, while the Nasarawa North seat was left vacant after the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki.

In Enugu North, Ikeje Asogwu emerged as successor to the late Senator Okechukwu Ezea, whose death created the need for a by-election in the district.

Similarly, Dayo Faduyile was elected to represent Ondo South after former senator Jimoh Ibrahim vacated the seat following his appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

The swearing-in ceremony came a day after INEC presented Certificates of Return to the four lawmakers, officially affirming their victories in the by-elections.

Among dignitaries present at the inauguration ceremony were Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, as well as other political leaders, government officials and supporters of the newly sworn-in senators.