By Simdi Gloria:-
A bill to amend the constitution to put a limit on some elective posts has been forced down by the House of Representatives.
The bill which was sponsored by Bede Eke from Imo State sought to put a cap of 70years for anyone running for the office of the President and 65years for the National Assembly.
Members of the House rejected the bill before the sponsor could even debate the bill.
Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila had to intervene for the debate to be allowed.
Eke who led the debate said the bill intends to create a buffer zone for the Not Too Young To Run law. He explained that old people are occupying the space for young people.
“We had some challenges recently with the Endsars protests, and we are aware of their demands. Our youths will celebrate this house if we should pass this bill.
You cannot talk about Not Too Young To Run when people are occupying the places.”
Opposing the bill, the minority leader, Ndudi Elumelu said the bill is discriminatory, adding that it is inconsistent with section 42 of the 1999 constitution.
Uzoma Abonta who spoke against the bill said instead of putting a limit, the age bracket should be expanded to accommodate more people by reducing the age to contest to 23years. He, therefore, advised the sponsor of the bill to either step it down or it will be voted on.
Consequently, the sponsor of the bill withdrew the bill