The Senate on Wednesday inaugurated four newly elected senators following their victories in the recent by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The lawmakers sworn in were Danladi Halilu Envulu-Anza (APC, Nasarawa North), Ikeje Asogwa (APC, Enugu North), Olaka Nwogu (PDP, Rivers South-East), and Francis Faduyile (APC, Ondo South).
The News Chronicle reports that Asogwa emerged victorious in the Enugu North senatorial district following the death of Sen. Okey Ezea in November 2025, while Nwogu was elected to fill the vacancy created by the death of Sen. Barry Mpigi in February.
Faduyile secured the Ondo South seat after the appointment of former senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, while Envulu-Anza replaced the late Sen. Godiya Akwashiki in Nasarawa North.
Ahead of the inauguration, the Senate suspended Order 12 of its Standing Rules to allow family members, supporters, traditional rulers and other distinguished guests into the chamber to witness the ceremony.
The decision followed a motion moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio subsequently directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to usher the senators-elect and their guests into the chamber for the swearing-in.
Welcoming the lawmakers, Akpabio described their emergence as a significant addition to the nation’s highest legislative body.
“Today, you join this elite club, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with a responsibility to serve the Nigerian people,” he said.
The Clerk of the Senate thereafter administered the Oath of Allegiance in line with constitutional provisions, after which the lawmakers formally took their seats.
Akpabio also acknowledged the presence of political leaders, traditional rulers, supporters and other dignitaries who attended the ceremony, thanking them for honouring the occasion.
He urged the newly inaugurated senators to discharge their legislative responsibilities with diligence, patriotism and a commitment to national service.
The Senate President congratulated the political parties that secured victory in the by-elections and offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed lawmakers whose deaths necessitated the polls.
