By Deborah Nnamdi
The Senate on Wednesday inaugurated four new senators elected in recent by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), restoring representation to four senatorial districts affected by vacancies.
The oath of office was administered by Senate President Godswill Akpabio to Danladi Halilu Envulu-Anza of the All Progressives Congress (APC), representing Nasarawa North; Ikeje Asogwa of the APC, representing Enugu North; Olaka Nwogu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Rivers South; and Francis Faduyile of the APC, representing Ondo South.
The newly sworn-in lawmakers emerged victorious in separate by-elections held to fill seats that became vacant following the deaths of serving senators and the appointment of a former lawmaker to a diplomatic position.
Asogwa succeeded the late Senator Okey Ezea, who died in November 2025, while Nwogu replaced Senator Barry Mpigi, who passed away in February. Faduyile won the Ondo South seat following the appointment of former Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, while Envulu-Anza succeeded the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki.
Ahead of the ceremony, the Senate suspended Order 12 of its Standing Rules to allow family members, supporters, and other distinguished guests into the chamber. The motion was moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro.
Following the approval, Akpabio directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to usher the senators-elect and their guests into the chamber for the swearing-in ceremony.
Welcoming the lawmakers, the Senate President described their inauguration as a significant milestone and urged them to embrace the responsibilities of legislative service with dedication and patriotism.
“Today, you join this elite club, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with a responsibility to serve the Nigerian people,” Akpabio said.
The Clerk of the Senate subsequently administered the Oath of Allegiance in line with constitutional provisions before the lawmakers formally took their seats.
Akpabio also acknowledged the presence of political leaders, traditional rulers, family members, and supporters who attended the event, expressing appreciation for their support.
He congratulated the political parties that secured victories in the by-elections and offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed lawmakers whose deaths necessitated the elections.
The inauguration restores full representation to the affected senatorial districts and further strengthens the composition of the 10th Senate as it continues its legislative duties.
