President Tinubu has rejected a bill intending to broaden the tenure of service of legislative officers in both the National Assembly and the 36 states Houses of Assembly from 35 to 40 years, and increasing their retirement age from 60 to 65 years.
The President’s decision was communicated in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary.
Tinubu explained that, after thorough evaluation, he decided to withhold his assent to the bill, adding that his decision was based on the constitutional powers vested in him.
He also expressed gratitude to the Senate for its efforts in drafting and passing the bill, urging them to receive his decision with understanding.
The bill, which was first introduced during the 7th Assembly, faced setbacks in subsequent Assemblies. It was reintroduced in the 9th Assembly but encountered resistance, and was eventually stepped down in February 2024 for further consultations after a significant number of senators opposed it.
Senate President Akpabio presided over the Senate’s first sitting after an eight-week recess.
