Tinubu rejects bill seeking to raise retirement age of n’assembly staff

President Bola Tinubu has rejected a bill seeking to raise the retirement age of civil servants working in the national assembly.

Tinubu’s decision not to sign the bill was contained in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on the floor of the upper legislative chamber on Tuesday.

The president did not give reasons for his decision.

In February, the senate threw out the bill after a protracted debate. However, it made a U-turn and concurred to a similar bill passed by the house of representatives.

The bill is seeking to increase the retirement age to 65 years or 40 years of service, whichever comes first.

The existing law prescribes 60 years of age or 35 years of service for retirement.

Tinubu commended the senate for the “diligent work” it put in drafting and passing the bill.

“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,” he said.

“Upon thorough examination and carefully consultation I have decided to withhold my assent to the bill.

“This decision is made in accordance with the powers vested in me by the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.

“However, I trust that this decision would be recieved with understanding and acceptance.”