Senate President Godswill Akpabio has officially sworn in two new lawmakers into the upper chamber of the National Assembly.
The new senators are Joseph Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC), representing Edo Central, and Emmanuel Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), representing Anambra South.
Their swearing-in followed the bye-elections recently conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill the vacant seats in both senatorial districts.
Recall that the Edo Central seat became vacant after Senator Monday Okpebholo was elected as the Governor of Edo State, while the Anambra South seat was left open following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah earlier this year.
The Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, administered the oath of office and allegiance to both lawmakers during Wednesday’s plenary session.
Addressing the new senators, Senate President Akpabio congratulated them and welcomed them to what he described as “the most elite club in the world.” He urged them to be focused and committed to national development beyond party interests.
“Once you’re sworn in, you’re no longer representing a political party but the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Akpabio said, while also encouraging them to study the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders.
With their induction, the political composition of the 10th Senate now stands as follows: APC – 71 seats, PDP – 28, Labour Party – 5, NNPP – 1, SDP – 2, and APGA – 2, bringing the total to 109 senators.
The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by several dignitaries including former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori; former Edo Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu; Lee Ikpea; and Samson Osagie, among others.
