By Peterside Rejoice
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday, swore in two new senators, Joseph Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC), representing Edo Central Senatorial District, and Emmanuel Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), representing Anambra South Senatorial District.
The swearing-in ceremony, which took place during plenary at the National Assembly, Abuja, followed the bye-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill the vacant seats in the two senatorial districts.
INEC had declared the Edo Central Senatorial seat vacant following the emergence of the former occupant, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as Governor of Edo State. The development paved the way for the conduct of a bye-election in the district, in which Joseph Ikpea, the APC candidate, emerged winner to replace Okpebholo in the Senate.
In a similar development, the Anambra South Senatorial seat became vacant after the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who until his demise represented the district. INEC conducted a bye-election on August 16, which was keenly contested by twelve political parties. At the end of the exercise, Emmanuel Nwachukwu of APGA emerged victorious and was returned elected as senator for the district.
The oath of office and allegiance was administered to the two lawmakers by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, shortly before they were ushered to their seats amid applause from their colleagues and guests in the gallery.
With the inauguration of the new lawmakers, the composition of the 10th Senate is now complete, bringing the total number of senators to 109. The APC currently holds 71 seats, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has 28, the Labour Party (LP) 5, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) 2, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) 2, while the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has 1.
In his remarks, Senate President Akpabio congratulated the new senators and welcomed them to what he described as “the most elite legislative club in the world.” He urged them to see their new mandate as a call to service and to work for the unity and progress of the country, beyond party lines.
“The Senate is a family. As you join this family today, you are no longer representing your political parties but the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria. Nigerians are looking up to us to make laws that will better their lives,” Akpabio said.
He further charged the lawmakers to familiarize themselves with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate Standing Orders as amended in 2023, to enable them to function effectively and contribute meaningfully to legislative business.
According to him, “Every new senator must understand the rules that guide our operations here. Study the Constitution and the Standing Orders. They are your guides as you begin this journey of service to your people and the nation at large.”
Akpabio also used the opportunity to remind all senators of the need to rededicate themselves to the ideals of patriotism and selfless service, adding that the current challenges facing the country require unity and commitment from all lawmakers irrespective of party affiliation.
“The people are watching us. They expect us to rise above partisanship and focus on issues that will bring about economic stability, peace, and national growth. That is what Nigerians voted us for, and we must not fail them,” he stated.
The swearing-in ceremony attracted several dignitaries and political figures who thronged the gallery to witness the event. Among those present were former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori; former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu; Lee Ikpea; and former lawmaker, Samson Osagie, among others.
Akpabio, while acknowledging their presence, appreciated them for coming to identify with the newly sworn-in senators. In his characteristic humorous tone, he said, “Including the women, so that they will not say that I do not like women,” a comment that drew laughter from senators and guests alike.
Both Ikpea and Nwachukwu were later introduced formally to their colleagues before taking their seats. The Senate President assured them of the full cooperation of their colleagues and expressed optimism that they would bring their wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of their duties.
With the Senate now at full capacity, legislative business is expected to continue in earnest as the upper chamber resumes its core functions of lawmaking, oversight, and representation, following the end of the annual recess.
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