President Bola Tinubu has rejected the harmonized version of the bill which sought to increase the service year of the National Assembly staff by an additional five years.

The bill sought to increase the retirement age to 65 years or 40 years of service while the extant law prescribes 60 years of age or 35 years of service for retirement.

While the bill had earlier passed a third reading in the House of Representatives, it was initially rejected by the Senate after sparking controversy among lawmakers.

However, it was later reconsidered and passed by the Red Chamber before being transmitted to the president for assent.

Giving reasons for his refusal to assent to the bill, the President in a letter written to the lawmakers and read by the Senate President, GodsWill Akpabio, Tinubu said his rejection was based on thorough examination and wide consultation.

Tinubu said, “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.

“Upon thorough examination and careful consultation, I have decided to withhold my assent to the bill.”

He added, “This decision is made under the powers vested in me by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the diligent work of the Senate as regards the drafting and passage of this bill.

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