Debate on the general principles of a bill which seeks to bar any Nigerian above the age of 70 years old from contesting election into various political offices in Nigeria is underway in the House of Representatives. The bill which was sponsored by the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha seeks to amend relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution. Amendment was also proposed for Section 106(c) of the Constitution, by substituting the words ‘School Certificate’ with ‘Ordinary National Diploma’ immediately after the phrase ‘at least the’. Similarly, the proponent of the bill also proposed amendment of Section 131(b) of the Constitution by adding the words ‘but is not beyond Seventy years’ immediately after the words ‘forty years’. In line with the legislative practice, the bill is to be referred to the Special Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Hon.

Source: Nigerian Tribune December 31, 2019 18:38 UTC