By NEFISHETU YAKUBU

The Senate on Wednesday swore in four senators-elect following their victory at the just concluded by-election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new Senators-elect include Danladi Halilu Envulu-Anza (APC Nasarawa North), Ikeje Asogwa (APC Enugu North), Olaka Nwogu (PDP Rivers South) and Francis Faduyile (APC Ondo South).

NAN also reports that Asogwa emerged senator following the death of Sen. Okey Ezea, who died in November 2025, while Nwogu was elected after the death of Sen. Barry Mpigi in February.

Faduyile’s election followed the appointment of Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, while Danladi Envulu-Anza was elected to replace the late Sen. Godiya Akwashiki.

The lawmakers suspended order 12 of its standing rules to admit guests into the chamber for the swearing-in ceremony of the three newly elected senators.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the decision after a motion was moved by the Leader of the Senate, Bamidele Opeyemi and seconded by the Minority leader, Abba Moro, to allow the family members, supporters and distinguished guests access to proceedings.

Akpabio, thereafter directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to usher the senators-elect, their supporters, and relatives into the chamber for the formal inauguration exercise.

The Senate President formally welcomed the lawmakers-elect, describing their arrival as a significant addition to the nation’s highest legislative institution.

“Today, you join this elite club, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with a responsibility to serve the Nigerian people,” he stated.

The Clerk of the Senate subsequently administered the Oath of Allegiance to the lawmakers in accordance with constitutional provisions.

The Senate President acknowledged several prominent guests, including political leaders, traditional rulers, and supporters who attended the ceremony.

He thanked the visitors for honouring the occasion and urged the newly sworn-in lawmakers to discharge their duties with diligence and patriotism.

Following the administration of the oath, the senators formally took their seats.

Akpabio congratulated the political parties that emerged victorious in the elections and prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed lawmakers whose deaths created the vacancies filled through the by-elections. (NAN)

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