President Bola Tinubu has officially declined to assent to a contentious bill aimed at extending the tenure of legislative officers in the National Assembly and the 36 state Houses of Assembly from 35 to 40 years, as well as raising the retirement age from 60 to 65 years.
This decision was communicated in a letter read on the Senate floor today by Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The bill, which has a controversial history, was initially introduced during the 7th Assembly and has been revisited in both the 9th and 10th Assemblies.
It faced significant opposition, leading to its being set aside in February 2024 for further research and consultation with stakeholders after many senators voted against it.
In his letter, President Tinubu stated, “Upon thorough examination and careful consideration, I have decided to withhold my assent to the bill.”
He emphasized that his decision is grounded in the powers conferred upon him by the Nigerian Constitution and expressed appreciation for the Senate’s diligent efforts in drafting the bill.
Senator Akpabio presided over the resumption of legislative activities after an eight-week recess, marking a significant moment in the ongoing discussions surrounding legislative reforms.
