Bill to stop Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, others from contesting election passes second reading at Reps

On Thursday, the House of Representatives advanced a bill for second reading that would exclude Nigerians over 60 from running for president or governor.

Rep. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere is the bill's sponsor. It suggests amending the 1999 Constitution to update the qualifications needed for these important political roles.

The measure states that candidates for president and governor cannot be older than 60 when they run for office.

In their chosen subject of study, candidates must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree.

In particular, the measure modifies Section 131 of the Constitution to establish an age limit for the presidency and Section 177 to apply the same criterion to candidates for governor.

The House passed a number of other significant bills for second reading in addition to the age limit law, including: Bill of Education at Alvan Ikoku Federal University: This measure, which is supported by Representative Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, aims to make Imo State's Alvan Ikoku College of Education a federal university.

The Ideato West Local Government Area Creation Bill: In order to strengthen administrative and developmental initiatives, this bill suggests establishing an extra LGA in Imo State.

A bill that would require young people and people with disabilities to be included in political appointments This initiative, which is sponsored by Representative Ugochinyere, would reserve seats for young people and people with disabilities in order to guarantee inclusivity in governance.

Proposal to Add Commerce and Trade to the Concurrent Legislative List: This plan, which is also supported by Rep. Ugochinyere, aims to increase economic activity across the country by giving the federal and state governments the authority to control trade and commerce.

Bill for Women's Reserved Seats in the National and State Assemblies: Rep. Kafilat Ogbara is the bill's sponsor, and its goal is to increase the number of women in legislative bodies.

Judicial Reform Bills: Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu is the sponsor of the Timelines for Justice Administration Bill, which aims to speed up the legal system.

Rep. Bello Kaoje is the sponsor of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges promote Bill, which suggests adding more judges to promote efficiency.

Wan State (North Central) Bill and Gobir State (Northwest) Bill are examples of new state creations.

The House hopes to improve economic and judicial efficiency, encourage youth and gender inclusion, and restructure Nigeria's governance structure through these legislative initiatives.