The Senate on Wednesday officially sworn in Joseph Ikpea and Emmanuel Nwachukwu as senators representing Edo Central and Anambra South senatorial districts, respectively.
The ceremony, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, took place during plenary, with the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Ojo, administering the oaths of office and allegiance to the new legislators.
The swearing-in 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 session, the Senate temporarily relaxed its rules to allow family members and dignitaries to witness the ceremony. Notable guests included former Delta State Governor James Ibori, former Edo State Deputy Governor and Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Sports, Philip Shuaibu, and other prominent politicians.
In his remarks, Akpabio urged the new lawmakers to familiarize themselves with the Senate’s standing rules and serve diligently.