SAN FRANCISCO, June 08, (THEWILL) – The House of Representatives on Wednesday unanimously voted to reduce the age qualification for the office of President, Governor and membership of the Senate and House of Representatives by altering Sections 65, 106, 131 and 177 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)
The bill, proposed by Tony Nwulu seeks to reduce the age qualification for the office of president from 40 to 30 years, office of Governor from 35 to 30 years, those vying for Senate from 35 to 30 years and State Houses of Assembly from 30 to 25 years.
“This desire itself could be viewed as a sufficient warrant for young people to participate, demonstrates a willingness to engage and fulfil the burdens of office,” he said.
“It is pertinent now to amend the constitution to make room for independent candidates to widen the democratic processes in our elections, and above all to encourage our young ones to fully participate in all elective offices.”
While ruling, Speaker Yakubu Dogara referred the bill to the Ad hoc Committee for Constitutional Review, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Lasun, for further legislative action.
A bill proposing an act to provide for the establishment of the Nigerian National Heroes Register passed through second reading while 100 bills, including National Library Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016; National Health Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016; Electric Power Sector Reform Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016; Energy Commission of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016; Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016; Annual Budget Conception, Preparation and Presentation Procedure Bill, 2016; Free Advice and Treatment of Breast Cancer Centre Bill, 2016 and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016 scaled through first reading.
Story by David Oputah
