Tinubu refutes assent to bill seeking tenure extension for legislative officers

President Bola Tinubu has declined assent to a bill seeking to extend the tenure of service for legislative officers at both the National Assembly and the 36 state Houses of Assembly.

The bill proposed increasing the retirement age from 60 to 65 years and the years of service from 35 to 40 years.

The president’s decision was communicated in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on the Senate floor.

The bill, which has been contentious, was initially paused in February 2024 for further consultation after a significant number of senators opposed it.

Originally introduced during the 7th Assembly, the bill faced several setbacks in both the 9th and 10th Assemblies before finally being rejected.

The President’s letter read that ‘ Upon thorough examination and careful consideration, I have decided to withhold my assent to the bill”, Tinubu wrote.

“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 letter read.

Akpabio presided over the resumption of legislative sitting after eight weeks of recess.