President Bola Tinubu has declined to approve a bill that aimed to extend the tenure of service of legislative officers at the National Assembly and the 36 state Houses of Assembly from 35 to 40 years, as well as their retirement age from 60 to 65 years.
Gatekeepers News reports that the President’s decision was communicated in a letter read on the floor of the Senate by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.
The bill, which has been a topic of controversy, was initially set aside in February 2024 for further research and consultation with stakeholders after facing opposition from a significant number of senators.
This bill was originally introduced during the 7th Assembly and was later transmitted to the 9th Assembly, where it encountered obstacles, and subsequently to the 10th Senate.
“This decision is made by the powers vested in me by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the diligent work of the Senate with regard to the drafting and passage of this Bill. I hope you will receive it with understanding. Please accept the assurances of my highest regard”, the President’s letter was read as Akpabio presided over the resumption of legislative sitting after an eight-week recess.
