PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has rejected a bill seeking to raise the retirement age of civil servants working in the national assembly.

In a letter on Tuesday to the President of the Senate, Tinubu stated why he did not sign the bill. 

Recall that in February, the Senate threw out the bill after a protracted debate, but the same Senate however made a U-turn and concurred to a similar bill passed by the House of Representatives.

The bill is seeking to increase the retirement age to 65 years or 40 years of service, whichever comes first.

The existing law prescribes 60 years of age or 35 years of service for retirement.

Tinubu while rejecting it, commended the Senate for the “diligent work” it put in drafting and passing 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 careful consultation, I have decided to withhold my assent to the bill.

“This decision is made by the powers vested in me by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“However, I trust that this decision would be received with understanding and acceptance.”

[TheCable]