By kawaekwune Jeffrey
President Bola Tinubu has formally declined a bill that sought to raise the retirement age of civil servants working in the National Assembly.
In a letter to the President of the Senate on Tuesday, Tinubu explained his decision to withhold assent to the bill.
The bill had proposed raising the retirement age from 60 to 65 years or 40 years of service, whichever comes first. Currently, the law makes it mandatory for workers in the Assembly to retire at 60 years of age or after 35 years of service.
In his letter, Tinubu commended the efforts of the Senate but maintained his position against the bill.
He said: “I write in respect of the harmonised retirement age for legislative officers of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Bill passed by the National Assembly and forwarded to me for assent.”
Tinubu further stated: “Upon thorough examination and careful consultation, I have decided to withhold my assent to the bill. This decision is made by the powers vested in me by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The president added: “However, I trust that this decision would be received with understanding and acceptance.”
It would be recalled that in February 2024, the Senate initially rejected the bill following a lengthy debate. However, the Senate later agreed to a similar version of the bill passed by the House of Representatives.
