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By Olu Balogun
Senate, on Wednesday returned to its complete 109 membership following the swearing in of two newly elected senators, Joseph Ikpea and Emmanuel Nwachukwu, representing Edo Central and Anambra South Senatorial Districts, respectively.
The swearing in of Senators Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress, APC and Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, follows the by-elections conducted in September to fill two vacant Senate seats, previously held by Senator Monday Okpebholo, now Edo State governor and the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who passed away in July 2024.
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio presided over the ceremony with the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, administering the oaths of office and allegiance to the new lawmakers
In his remarks, the Senate President said their election is a call to service, urging them to study and abide by the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders as amended in 2023 properly so as to be well guided in the discharge of their legislative duties and actions.
“Today, you have been called to national duty. You are no longer senators of your political parties; you are senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said
Akpabio assured them of the support of their colleagues in navigating legislative responsibilities.
“Your colleagues who have been here will continue to assist you, so you will get used to the nuances of lawmaking,” he added.
Among those present at the ceremony were James Ibori, former governor of Delta State; Philip Shaibu, former Deputy Governor of Edo State; Sly Ezeokenwa, APGA National Chairman; and some members of the House of Representatives from Edo and Anambra States.
