President Bola Tinubu has declined to approve a bill proposing to extend the service years of National Assembly staff by five years. The bill aimed to raise the retirement age to 65 years or 40 years of service, contrary to the existing law which mandates retirement at 60 years or 35 years of service. Initially met with controversy and rejection by the Senate, the bill was later reconsidered, passed, and sent to the president for assent.
In a letter read by the Senate President, GodsWill Akpabio, Tinubu cited thorough examination and wide consultation as the basis for his refusal to assent to the bill. He expressed gratitude for the Senate’s effort in drafting and passing the bill, but ultimately decided to withhold his assent, exercising his constitutional powers. Tinubu’s decision was communicated with the hope of being understood and accepted by all parties involved.