Breaking News: Bill to Disqualify Contestants Above 60 from Offices of President, Governor Scales Second Reading

The House of Representatives yesterday passed a bill for second reading that seeks to introduce age restrictions for presidential and gubernatorial candidates. The proposed legislation aims to bar individuals above 60 years from contesting elections for the offices of President and Governor.

According to the bill, a person shall be qualified for election to the office of President if they have attained a minimum of a university education with a Bachelor’s degree in their chosen field of study.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the candidate must not exceed 60 years of age at the time of vying for the office. A similar age restriction is proposed for gubernatorial candidates.

In addition to the bill, the House passed several other crucial bills for second reading, including constitutional amendment bills. One such bill seeks to provide statutory backing for the establishment of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Imo State, which is sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abass, and Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere.

This move aims to elevate the institution’s status and grant it federal recognition and support.

Another bill that passed for second reading is the creation of an additional local government area in Imo State, specifically the Ideato West Local Government Area. This bill is expected to further administrative and developmental progress in the state.

The House also passed a bill for an Act to alter the constitution, providing for the mandatory inclusion of youths and persons living with disabilities in political appointments. Sponsored by Ugochinyere, this bill seeks to promote inclusivity and representation in governance.

Furthermore, the House passed a bill to move trade and commerce to the concurrent legislative list, which will grant both the federal and state governments the authority to regulate trade, thereby boosting economic activity across states. This legislation is also sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere.

In related development, the House considered a bill to review the requirements for qualification to contest for the offices of President, Vice President, Governor, and Deputy Governor. This move is seen as an effort to reform the country’s election laws and ensure that only qualified candidates participate in the electoral process.

Overall, the House of Representatives is taking significant steps to reform Nigeria’s election laws, promote inclusivity, and drive economic growth. The passage of these bills for second reading marks a crucial step towards creating a more equitable and prosperous society.