President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday administered the oath of office to four newly elected senators, with former federal lawmaker, Olaka Nwogu, formally taking his place as the representative of Rivers South-East Senatorial District following his victory in last Saturday’s bye-election.
Nwogu, elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was inaugurated alongside Senator Envulu Anza (Nasarawa North), Senator Ikeje Asogwu (Enugu North), and Professor Dayo Faduyile (Ondo South) during plenary at the National Assembly.
His emergence restores representation to Rivers South-East following the death of former Senator Barinada Mpigi, whose passing created the vacancy that necessitated the bye-election.
The Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office to the new lawmakers before they took their seats in the Red Chamber.
Welcoming the senators, Akpabio described the Senate as an elite institution entrusted with safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and urged the new members to rise above partisan interests.
“Your responsibility now transcends party affiliation. You are senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, entrusted with the responsibility of making laws and providing oversight for the good governance of our country,” he said.
For Rivers State, Nwogu’s inauguration marks a return to the upper chamber for the experienced politician and former member of the House of Representatives, who is expected to bring his legislative experience to bear on issues affecting the oil-rich senatorial district and the state at large.
Political observers view his election as a significant victory for the PDP in Rivers State at a time when the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to consolidate its strength nationally.
The Senate President also charged the lawmakers to acquaint themselves with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as well as the Senate Standing Orders, revised in 2023, to enable them effectively discharge their responsibilities.
Akpabio paid tribute to the late lawmakers whose deaths led to some of the bye-elections, praying for the repose of their souls and expressing hope that the Senate would not record another loss.
“I want to pray that Almighty God grants eternal rest to our departed colleagues and that no member of this chamber will lose his life again,” he said.
The Senate President further acknowledged the presence of governors, deputy governors, traditional rulers, party leaders and other dignitaries who accompanied the new senators, describing their attendance as a demonstration of support for democratic governance.
While the APC won three of the four senatorial seats contested in the bye-elections, the PDP retained its foothold in Rivers South-East through Nwogu’s victory.
The Atlantic Bell reports that with the inauguration of the four lawmakers, the Senate has restored full representation to the affected districts, enabling the new members to participate immediately in legislative debates, committee assignments and deliberations on critical national issues.
