President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has declined to sign a controversial bill aimed at extending the tenure of federal and state legislators from 35 to 40 years, and their retirement age from 60 to 65 years.
The President’s decision was conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary. Tinubu cited thorough examination and constitutional authority in withholding his assent to the bill, stating, “Upon thorough examination and careful consideration, I have decided to withhold my assent to the bill.”
The bill had faced significant opposition, with a substantial number of senators voting against it during its initial presentation in February 2024. After being stepped down for further consultation with stakeholders, it returned to the Senate for consideration but faced another setback with the President’s decision.
In his letter to the Senate, Tinubu expressed his appreciation for the legislature’s efforts but emphasized the need for the decision in the interest of the nation. “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,” the letter read.
The harmonized bill had previously faced hurdles in both the 7th and 9th Assemblies before being presented to the 10th Senate. Despite multiple attempts, it struggled to gain widespread support across legislative bodies.
Senate President Akpabio presided over the first legislative session after an eight-week recess, during which the President’s letter was presented.
