The House of Representatives on Thursday passed for second reading a bill that seeks to bar individuals above 60 years from contesting for the offices of President and Governor in Nigeria.
Sponsored by Rep. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, the bill proposes amendments to the 1999 Constitution to revise the eligibility criteria for these high-level political positions.
Under the proposed amendments:
- Presidential and gubernatorial candidates must not be older than 60 years at the time of contesting.
- Candidates must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in their chosen field of study.
The bill seeks to amend Section 131 of the Constitution to introduce the age limit for presidential candidates and Section 177 to apply the same requirement for governorship aspirants.
Beyond the age limit bill, the House also passed several other key bills for second reading, including:
- Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill – Sponsored by Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas and Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, this bill aims to upgrade Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State to a federal university.
- Bill for the Creation of Ideato West Local Government Area – Seeks to create a new LGA in Imo State to boost development and governance.
- Mandatory Inclusion of Youths and Persons with Disabilities in Political Appointments Bill – Sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, this bill proposes reserving positions in governance for young people and persons with disabilities to ensure inclusivity.
- Bill to Move Trade and Commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List – Also sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, this bill would allow both the federal and state governments to regulate trade and commerce, potentially enhancing economic growth.
- Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies Bill – Sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, this bill seeks to increase female representation in legislative bodies.
Additionally, the House considered judicial reform bills, including:
- Timelines for Justice Administration Bill – Sponsored by Deputy Speaker Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, this bill aims to expedite judicial processes.
- Increase in Supreme Court & Court of Appeal Justices Bill – Sponsored by Rep. Bello Kaoje, it proposes an increase in the number of justices to improve judicial efficiency.
The House also deliberated on proposals for the creation of new states, including:
- Creation of Wan State (North Central) Bill
- Creation of Gobir State (Northwest) Bill
