The Senate on Tuesday formally welcomed four newly elected lawmakers into its ranks, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio charging them to make the Nigerian Constitution and Senate Standing Orders their daily guide as they begin their legislative journey in the Red Chamber.
The lawmakers—Olaka Nwogu Johnson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Rivers South-East, Francis Dayo Faduyile of the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Ondo South, Asogwa Ikeje Israel (APC, Enugu North), and Halilu Danladi Envulu-Aza (APC, Nasarawa North)—were sworn in following their victories in the National Assembly bye-elections conducted last Saturday.
Administering the oath of office and allegiance during plenary, Akpabio congratulated the senators on their election and reminded them that effective participation in parliamentary proceedings requires a thorough understanding of the rules governing the Senate.
“I remind them that we have just presented to them the Nigerian Constitution, which is the ground norm of the governance of this nation, and the Senate Standing Orders 2026, which guides our proceedings in the chambers,” the Senate President said.
“The two documents presented to you are not for the shelves in your library. They are for your consumption on a daily basis, so you can follow the proceedings assiduously.”
Akpabio stressed that parliamentary debates and legislative interventions must be guided by established procedures, cautioning the lawmakers against making contributions without first understanding the relevant rules.
“Please do not jump up to speak if you do not know what the rule says,” he advised.
“Whenever there is a motion and I ask for additional comments, Senate players do not reopen the debates.”
The Senate President urged the new lawmakers to carefully study the Standing Orders, particularly the provisions regulating proceedings in the chamber, noting that every institution operates according to its own traditions and procedures.
“Look at the proceedings in Order 38 so that you see the way the Senate proceeds,” he said.
“Every organization 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.”
He also advised the senators not to take offence when ruled out of order during debates, emphasizing that presiding officers are guided strictly by parliamentary rules.
“If you are ruled out of order by the Senate President or the Presiding Officer, do not take offense. We operate by the rules,” Akpabio stated.
The Senate President paid special tribute to Olaka Nwogu, who previously served in the Eighth Senate, describing his return to the chamber as a welcome development.
“For some of you who are returning, I congratulate you,” Akpabio said.
“Like Senator Olaka Nwogu, who was with us in the 8th Senate, and I’m happy to see him again. Welcome.”
Expressing confidence in the ability of the new senators to contribute to legislative business, he added: “I believe that your names will come up. We are taking part in today’s proceedings before we go for any reception. You are welcome. Thank you very much.”
The swearing-in followed the conduct of bye-elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill vacancies in four senatorial districts.
The Rivers South-East seat became vacant following the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi on February 19, 2026, while the Enugu North seat was vacated after the death of Senator Okey Ezea.
In Nasarawa North, the election was necessitated by the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, while the Ondo South seat became vacant following the appointment of former Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The inauguration restores full representation to the affected senatorial districts and ensures that constituents in the four zones continue to have representation in the nation’s highest lawmaking body.
With their oaths taken and seats occupied, the new lawmakers now join deliberations on key national issues before the Senate as the 10th National Assembly continues its legislative agenda.
