The representation of Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the Senate has been restored through the inauguration of Senator Olaka Nwogu, who belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and three other newly elected lawmakers.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, carried out the oath-taking process in plenary following their victory in by-elections held by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday.
Nwogu took over from his predecessor, Barinada Mpigi, due to the latter’s untimely death. The certificate of return for Nwogu and other the successful candidates was issued to them by INEC on Tuesday before the inauguration ceremony.
Three other lawmakers who won election in APC also made their way into the Senate.
They include Envulu Anza, who is now representing Nasarawa North following the demise of Senator Godiya Akwashiki; Ikeje Asogwu, replacing the late Senator Okechukwu Ezea in Enugu North; and Dayo Faduyile, who replaced Jimoh Ibrahim in Ondo South due to the latter’s appointment as the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations.
Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office to the four senators before they formally took their seats in the chamber.
Addressing the lawmakers, Akpabio congratulated them on their electoral victories and urged them to place national interest above partisan considerations in the discharge of their duties.
He reminded the new senators that membership of the Senate came with a responsibility to serve the country as a whole, stressing that their commitment should be to Nigeria above political affiliations.
The Senate President also encouraged them to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders to aid their legislative work.
The ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, who were among those present to witness the inauguration.
