- President Bola Tinubu has rejected a bill aimed at increasing the retirement age for civil servants in the National Assembly.
- In a letter to the Senate President, Tinubu explains why he didn’t sign the bill.
- In early February, the Senate rejected a bill after extensive debate, but later agreed to a similar proposal from the House of Representatives.
President Bola Tinubu has declined to endorse a bill aimed at raising the retirement age for civil servants within the National Assembly.
In a correspondence addressed to the Senate President on Tuesday, Tinubu provided his rationale for not signing the legislation.
Reports indicate that the Senate initially dismissed the bill in early February following extensive discussions, but subsequently reversed its position and approved a similar proposal from the House of Representatives.
The proposed legislation seeks to extend the retirement age to 65 years or 40 years of service, whichever occurs first. The current law stipulates a retirement age of 60 years or 35 years of service.
In his rejection, Tinubu praised the Senate for its “diligent work” in the formulation and passage of the bill.
Tinubu’s 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,” he said.
“Upon thorough examination and carefully consultation I have decided to withhold my assent to the bill.
“This decision is made in accordance with the powers vested in me by the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.
“However, I trust that this decision would be recieved with understanding and acceptance.”
In other news, Well-known gospel artist Tope Alabi has created and launched a special song to honor her spiritual mentor, Bishop David Oyedepo, who is the presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide (also known as Winners’ Chapel), in celebration of his 70th birthday.
The song, named ‘God’s Servant @70,’ was released on all digital platforms late Monday. On her Instagram page, Tope Alabi encouraged her fans and followers to spread the word. She wrote:
“A song dedicated to my father, Bishop David Oyedepo, in celebration of his 70th birthday will be out later tonight… Spread the news. God bless you!”
In a follow-up post, she added:
“Get ready for 11 PM tonight! The new sound, specially made to celebrate God in the life of Bishop David Oyedepo, is titled God’s Servant @70 and will be out on all digital platforms.
“Stay tuned for the music video afterward. Get ready! 11 PM is the time!”
Minutes ago on Instagram, Tope Alabi posted:
“Today is the day!!!! We will be gathering together in multitudes to celebrate God on behalf of our Father. Also, the new sound is out and now streaming on all digital platforms-listen and be blessed by it.
See you at 2 PM today at the Blue Ribbon events in Abule Egba.
#topealabi #BD0@70.”
Her announcement thrilled her fans, who shared their excitement in the comment section.
