Tinubu claimed that his decision to withhold assent to the bill was concluded after careful examination and consultation.
A bill to raise the retirement age of legislative staff members at the National Assembly from 60 to 65 years old and to extend their term of service from 35 to 40 years has been rejected by President Bola Tinubu.
This was disclosed in a letter read by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, during the plenary on Tuesday.
The bill titled “Harmonised Retirement Age for Staff of National Assembly Service Bill, 2024” was first introduced into the national assembly during the 7th assembly. It was later transmitted to the 8th assembly and subsequently to the 10th Senate.
Though several organisations including the Nigerian Parliamentary Staff Association had protested the passage of the bill, the Senate and House of Representatives earlier in February went ahead to pass the bill.
Tinubu in the letter clarified that his decision to withhold assent to the bill was concluded after careful examination and consultation.
The letter read: “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.
“Upon thorough examination and careful consultation I have decided to withhold my assent to the bill,” Tinubu said.
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The president stressed that his decision was made in accordance with his constitutional power.
He urged the administration and employees of the National Assembly to accept the decline of assent with understanding.
“This decision is made in accordance with the powers vested in me by the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. I wish to express my sincere appreciation of the diligent work of the senate as regards to the drafting and passage of this bill.
However, I trust that this decision would be received with understanding and acceptance,” he added.
