The House of Representatives on Wednesday rejected a bill to amend the constitution to put an age limit on some elective posts.
The bill, sponsored by Bede Eke from Imo State, sought to put a cap of 70 years for anyone running for the office of the President and 65years for the National Assembly.
However, members of the House rejected the bill before it could be debated.
The Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, had to intervene for the debate to be allowed.
Leading the debate, Eke said the bill would support the Not Too Young To Run law, noting that old people are occupying the space meant for young people.
He said, “We had some challenges recently with the Endsars protests, and we are aware of their demands. Our youths will celebrate this house if we should pass this bill.
“You cannot talk about Not Too Young To Run when people are occupying the places.”
Opposing the bill, the minority leader, Ndudi Elumelu, said the bill is discriminatory, adding that it is inconsistent with section 42 of the 1999 constitution.
Also speaking against the bill, Uzoma Abonta said instead of putting a limit, the age bracket should be expanded to accommodate more people by reducing the age to contest to 23years.
Jimoh Babajide and Ahmed Jaha also advised the sponsor to withdraw the bill.
The sponsor, Eke, eventually withdrew the bill.
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This Post: Reps reject bill seeking to set 70-year-old age limit for Presidential Candidates was approved and published by Ancity Media Editor and may not be republished elsewhere without prior written permission from the Editor.
