By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — The composition of the Senate shifted further in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday following the swearing-in of four new senators, bringing the party’s strength in the upper legislative chamber to 88 members.

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, administered the oath of office to the newly elected lawmakers — Senator Olaka Nwogu (PDP, Rivers South East), Senator Envulu Anza (APC, Nasarawa North), Senator Ikeje Asogwu (APC, Enugu North) and Senator Dayo Faduyile (APC, Ondo South).

Their inauguration followed the bye-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) last Saturday to fill vacancies in the four senatorial districts.

The Rivers South East seat became vacant following the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi, paving the way for the election of Nwogu. In Nasarawa North, Anza emerged after the death of Senator Godiya Akwaashiki, while Asogwu succeeded the late Senator Okechukwu Ezea in Enugu North. Faduyile won the Ondo South seat following 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.

Congratulating the senators, Akpabio described the Senate as “a family of the most elite club in the world” and urged them to focus on nation-building rather than partisan interests.

He reminded the lawmakers that they now serve as senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not merely representatives of their political parties.

Akpabio also advised the new members to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders 2023, noting that both documents are essential guides for effective legislative work.

“I remind them that we have just presented to them the Nigerian Constitution, which is the ground norm of the governance of this nation, and the Senate Standing Orders 2023 which guide our proceedings in the chamber,” he said.

“The two documents presented to you are not for the shelves in your library. They are for your consumption on a daily basis, so you can follow the proceedings assiduously.”

The Senate President cautioned the lawmakers against violating parliamentary procedures and urged them to study the rules thoroughly to enable them contribute meaningfully and orderly to debates on the floor of the Senate.

He particularly welcomed Nwogu, noting that the lawmaker had previously served in the 8th Senate.

“For some of you who are returning, I congratulate you. Like Senator Olaka Nwogu, who was with us in the 8th Senate, I am happy to see him again. Welcome,” Akpabio said.

Among dignitaries who witnessed the swearing-in ceremony were Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Chief Olusola Oke (SAN), Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo (SAN), and other top government officials.

With the inauguration of the four senators, the current party distribution in the 109-member Senate now stands at APC 88, African Democratic Congress (ADC) 9, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 5, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) 4, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) 1, Accord Party 1 and Labour Party (LP) 1. The total membership remains 109.

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