Senate fills up all seats as Akpabio swears in Nwogu, Asogwu, 2 others

From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

The Senate on Tuesday attained its full constitutional strength of 109 members following the swearing-in of four newly elected senators by Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The lawmakers emerged victorious in the bye-elections conducted on Saturday by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill vacant seats in four senatorial districts across the country.

The new senators are Olaka Nwogu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a former House of Representatives member representing Rivers South East; Envulu Anza of the All Progressives Congress (APC), representing Nasarawa North; Ikeje Asogwu of the APC, representing Enugu North; and Dr. Dayo Faduyile of the APC, representing Ondo South.

With the latest additions, the APC now controls 88 seats in the 10th Senate, further consolidating its dominance in the upper chamber. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) holds nine seats, while the PDP has five senators.

The remaining seats are shared among smaller parties, with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) holding four seats, while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Accord Party (AP), and Labour Party (LP) have one senator each.

Speaking shortly after administering the oath of office, Akpabio urged the new lawmakers to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders 2026 to enable them effectively discharge their legislative responsibilities.

“The two documents presented to you are not for the shelves in your libraries. They are for your consumption on a daily basis so that you can follow the proceedings assiduously,” he said.

He cautioned the senators against participating in debates without a proper understanding of parliamentary rules.

“Please do not jump up to speak if you do not know what the rule says. Whenever there is a motion and I ask for additional comments, Senate players do not reopen the debates.

“Look at the proceedings in Order 38 so that you see the way the Senate proceeds. Every organisation has its own modus operandi, and we do have our own here.

“Please try and read this Senate Standing Orders and imbibe the content therein so that you can contribute meaningfully, legally and orderly to the proceedings of the Senate,” Akpabio said.