The Senate, presided over by its President, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday officially swore in Joseph Ikpea and Emmanuel Nwachukwu, the newly elected senators representing Edo Central and Anambra South senatorial districts, respectively.
Naijaonpoint reports that the brief ceremony was held during plenary at the National Assembly in Abuja.
The Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Ojo, administered the oaths of office and allegiance.
The swearing-in followed recent by-elections conducted to fill two vacant seats in the upper chamber.
One of the seats was previously held by Monday Okpebholo, who vacated it after being elected Governor of Edo State, while the other was left vacant following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in July 2024.
With the inauguration of Ikpea and Nwachukwu, the Senate now returns to its full 109-member complement.
Before the ceremony commenced, the Senate temporarily suspended its standing rules to permit family members, guests, and dignitaries into the chamber to witness the swearing-in.
The gallery was filled with friends, relatives, and political associates of the two lawmakers.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were former Delta State Governor James Ibori and former Edo State Deputy Governor and Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Sports Philip Shaibu, alongside several prominent political figures from both states.
Addressing the new lawmakers, Senate President Akpabio congratulated them on their election victories and urged them to familiarise themselves with the Senate’s Standing Orders to ensure effective participation in legislative business.
“I welcome our new colleagues to the red chamber. I urge you to study our rules, abide by them, and make meaningful contributions to the development of your constituencies and the nation,” Akpabio said.
He reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and fostering cooperation across party lines.
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]