President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate, declining assent to a bill seeking tenure elongation for legislative officers at the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly.
The bill also aimed to increase the tenure and retirement age of legislative officers at both the National and state Houses of Assembly.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio conveyed the President’s decision on Tuesday in a letter read on the floor of the Senate.
The controversial retirement age bill had been put on hold since February 2024 for further examination and consultations with stakeholders.
Some senators had fiercely opposed the bill but it was passed.
However, realising the serious opposition and the implication if the bill is signed into law, the President said in the letter that, “Upon thorough examination and careful consideration, 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.
“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.”