The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday formally welcomed two new lawmakers into its fold, as Barrister Joseph Ikpea (APC, Edo Central) and Emmanuel Nwachukwu Chibuzor (APGA, Anambra South) were sworn in during a brief but symbolic ceremony at the Red Chamber.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio presided over the oath-taking, administered by the Acting Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, after which the new senators presented their INEC certificates of return and were introduced to colleagues.
Ikpea fills the seat vacated by Monday Okpebholo, who left the Senate after winning the Edo State governorship election, while Chibuzor steps in as successor to the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, whose sudden death in August left Anambra South without representation.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted by-elections in both districts, returning Ikpea and Chibuzor as winners under the banners of their respective parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
The chamber witnessed a rare convergence of political figures and family supporters, among them former Delta State Governor James Ibori, former Edo State Deputy Governor and current Director-General of the National Institute for Sports Philip Shaibu, Dr. Lee Ikpea (elder brother of Senator Ikpea), and Edo State Commissioner for Justice Samson Osaigie.
They joined other lawmakers in congratulating the two new senators, who exchanged handshakes with the Senate President before taking their seats.
The arrival of Ikpea and Chibuzor is expected to inject fresh perspectives into Senate deliberations, particularly as the chamber grapples with pressing issues of security, economic reforms, and governance accountability.
Their swearing-in restores full representation to the people of Edo Central and Anambra South, ensuring that legislative advocacy for their constituencies resumes without interruption.
“Today’s ceremony is more than a formality—it is the reaffirmation of democracy’s continuity, even in the face of political transitions and unforeseen losses,” one Senate aide remarked.
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