The Senate on Wednesday formally swore in two newly elected members, Joseph Ikpea and Emmanuel Nwachukwu, representing Edo Central and Anambra South Senatorial Districts, respectively.
The ceremony, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, saw the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Ojo, administer the oaths of office and allegiance to the new lawmakers.
Their inauguration followed recent by-elections held to fill two vacant seats — one formerly occupied by Monday Okpebholo, now Governor of Edo State, and the other by the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who died in July 2024.
Before the proceedings, the Senate temporarily suspended its standing rules to allow family members and dignitaries into the chamber to witness the event.
Among the high-profile guests were former Delta State Governor James Ibori, former Edo State Deputy Governor and Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Sports Philip Shaibu, and several political leaders.
In his remarks, Akpabio congratulated the new senators and urged them to acquaint themselves with the Senate’s standing orders to ensure effective legislative contributions.
With their swearing-in, the Upper Chamber has now restored its full complement of 109 members.
