The Senate on Tuesday welcomed four newly elected lawmakers into its ranks as Senate President Godswill Akpabio formally swore in senators elected in last Saturday’s National Assembly bye-elections, urging them to familiarize themselves with the Constitution and Senate rules to ensure orderly and effective participation in legislative proceedings.

The new senators—Olaka Nwogu Johnson (PDP, Rivers South-East), Francis Dayo Faduyile (APC, Ondo South), Asogwa Ikeje Israel (APC, Enugu North), and Halilu Danladi Envulu-Aza (APC, Nasarawa North)—took their oaths of office and allegiance before joining plenary at the Red Chamber.

Addressing the lawmakers shortly after their inauguration, Akpabio reminded them that legislative work is guided by established procedures and urged them to make the Constitution and Senate Standing Orders their constant companions.

“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,” Akpabio 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.”

The Senate President emphasized the importance of understanding parliamentary procedure, warning against speaking without first mastering the rules that govern debates and deliberations.

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

He further advised the senators to study the Standing Orders carefully to better understand the traditions and procedures of the upper legislative chamber.

“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.”
Akpabio also urged the new lawmakers not to take procedural rulings personally.

“If you are ruled out of order by the Senate President or the Presiding Officer, do not take offense. We operate by the rules,” he stated.
The Senate President paid special tribute to returning lawmaker Olaka Nwogu, who previously served in the Eighth Senate.

“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 contributions of the new lawmakers, Akpabio 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 conclusion of bye-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill vacancies in four senatorial districts across the country.

The Rivers South-East seat became vacant following the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi on February 19, 2026, while the Enugu North seat was left vacant after the death of Senator Okechukwu Ezea.

In Nasarawa North, the bye-election was necessitated by the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, while the Ondo South seat became vacant after former senator Jimoh Ibrahim was appointed Nigeria’s Permanent Represejtative to the Unites Nations.

The inauguration restores full representation to the affected senatorial districts and marks another step in ensuring that constituents in the four zones continue to have a voice in the nation’s highest lawmaking body.

With their oaths taken and seats occupied, attention will now turn to how the new senators navigate the legislative terrain as the Senate continues deliberations on critical national issues.