The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday, swore in two newly elected lawmakers — Senator Joseph Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Edo Central Senatorial District and Senator Emmanuel Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) representing Anambra South.
The brief swearing-in ceremony took place during plenary at about 11:51 a.m. at the National Assembly complex, Abuja, and was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Ojo.
Senate President Akpabio congratulated the new lawmakers, urging them to see their election as a call to national duty. He advised them to acquaint themselves with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Senate Standing Orders to effectively contribute to legislative processes. “You are now senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not just of your parties. Serve your people and your country diligently,” Akpabio charged.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had conducted bye-elections in Edo Central and Anambra South to fill vacant seats created by the exit of former senators. The Edo Central seat became vacant following the emergence of Senator Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State, while the Anambra South seat was declared vacant after the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
In the polls, Senator Joseph Ikpea of the APC secured a total of 105,129 votes to defeat his closest rival, Joe Okojie of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 15,146 votes. In Anambra South, Emmanuel Nwachukwu of APGA won with 90,408 votes, beating the APC candidate, Azuka Okwuosa, who polled 19,847 votes.
With their induction, the composition of the 10th Senate now stands as follows: APC – 71 seats; PDP – 28; Labour Party – 5; APGA – 2; SDP – 2; and NNPP – 1.
Several dignitaries, including former Delta State Governor James Ibori, former Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, and party chieftains such as Lee Ikpea and Samson Osaigie, attended the ceremony to celebrate with the new senators.
The Senate thereafter resumed legislative business with the newly sworn-in members taking their seats among their colleagues.