The Senate on Wednesday welcomed four new members into its ranks following their victories in recent bye-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill vacant seats in the upper legislative chamber.
The lawmakers were formally sworn in during plenary by Senate President, , after presenting their Certificates of Return issued by INEC.
The newly inaugurated senators are of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District; of the All Progressives Congress (APC), representing Enugu North Senatorial District; of the APC, representing Nasarawa North Senatorial District; and of the APC, representing Ondo South Senatorial District.
Their inauguration followed the administration of the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Membership in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders.
Speaking shortly after the ceremony, Senate President Akpabio congratulated the lawmakers on their electoral victories and urged them to contribute meaningfully to legislative debates and national development.
The bye-elections were conducted by INEC to fill vacancies that arose from the death of serving senators and the resignation of a lawmaker who was appointed to a diplomatic position.
The swearing-in restores full representation to the affected senatorial districts, ensuring that constituents from Rivers South-East, Enugu North, Nasarawa North and Ondo South have a voice in the nation’s highest legislative body.
The development also slightly strengthens the numerical advantage of the APC in the Senate, with three of the four newly sworn-in lawmakers elected on the platform of the ruling party, while one was elected under the PDP.
Following their inauguration, the new senators took their seats in the chamber and participated in the day’s legislative proceedings.