RismadarVoice Reporters, June 24, 2026
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday administered the oath of office to four newly elected senators following their victories in recent bye-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The new lawmakers are Olaka Nwogu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District; 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 took place during plenary after they emerged victorious in the bye-elections held to fill vacant seats in the Senate.
The Rivers South-East seat became vacant following the death of former senator Barinada Mpigi, while the Nasarawa North seat was declared vacant after the passing of Senator Godiya Akwaashiki.
Similarly, Asogwu was elected to represent Enugu North following the death of Senator Okechukwu Ezea, while Faduyile succeeded former senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who was recently appointed Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, administered both the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Office to the lawmakers before they officially assumed their legislative duties.
Welcoming the senators to the National Assembly, Akpabio congratulated them on their electoral victories and urged them to dedicate themselves to the service of the nation.
He described the Senate as an institution of high responsibility and reminded the new members that their primary obligation is to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not to their political parties.
The Senate President also encouraged them to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders, as amended in 2023, to effectively perform their legislative functions.
Akpabio stressed the importance of contributing meaningfully to lawmaking, oversight responsibilities and national development, noting that Nigerians expect quality representation from their elected officials.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, among other guests.
