An initiative has been introduced in the House of Representatives aimed at preventing individuals over the age of 70 from participating in elections for various political positions in the country.
Sponsored by Deputy Chief Whip Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the bill seeks to amend pertinent sections of the 1999 Constitution, which would impose restrictions on the age and educational qualifications of politicians.
The Explanatory Memorandum of the proposed legislation states;
“The bill aims to amend Sections 65(2)a, 106(c), 131(b) and 131(d) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) by enhancing the educational qualifications necessary for election into the offices of the President, National and State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria.”
The bill suggests an alteration to Section 65(2a) of the Principal Act by replacing the term ‘School Certificate’ with ‘Higher National Diploma’ and ‘First Degree’ immediately after the phrase ‘at least’.
Nigerian Tribune reported that the lawmaker also proposed revising Section 106(c) of the Constitution by substituting the term ‘School Certificate’ with ‘Ordinary National Diploma’ immediately after the phrase ‘at least the’.
Section 131(b) of the Constitution would be modified by adding the phrase ‘but is not beyond Seventy years’ immediately after the words ‘forty years’.
The bill has been forwarded to the Special Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Idris Wase for further legislative action.