President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday inaugurated four newly elected senators following their victories in the recent by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

According to Punch Newspapers, 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; Ikeje Asogwu of the APC, representing Enugu North; and Dayo Faduyile of the APC, representing Ondo South.

Their inauguration followed the by-elections held last Saturday to fill vacant seats in the upper chamber.

The Rivers South-East seat became vacant after the death of former senator Barinada Mpigi, while Anza emerged as senator for Nasarawa North following the death of Godiya Akwashiki. Asogwu succeeded the late Okechukwu Ezea, while Faduyile filled the vacancy created by the appointment of former senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

The Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office to the four lawmakers during plenary.

Welcoming them to the Red Chamber, Akpabio congratulated the senators on their election and urged them to place national interest above partisan considerations.

He described the Senate as “a family of the most elite club in the world” and reminded the lawmakers that they now represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria rather than their political parties.

Akpabio also encouraged the senators to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders, as amended in 2023, to enable them to effectively perform their legislative responsibilities.

Among dignitaries present at the swearing-in ceremony were Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo.