A human rights lawyer, M.O. Idam, has written an open letter of protest to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to reject a bill passed by the 10th National Assembly seeking to extend the retirement age and tenure of service for legislative staff.
In an open the letter , Idam described the bill as “an unpatriotic selfish legislative exercise” by the 10th Assembly, which he says is characterized by self-serving interests rather than addressing the country’s myriad problems.
The controversial bill, passed on February 28th, seeks to extend the tenure of service for National Assembly staff from 35 years to 40 years, and raise the retirement age from 60 to 65 years. It now awaits the President’s assent.
Idam argued that the bill encourages “monotony in public office” at a time when young Nigerians are yearning for inclusion and to contribute fresh ideas to the system. He urged Tinubu to “without hesitation, employ your powers to reject, decline or refuse to assent to the bill as same is grossly undemocratic, self-serving and self-motivated.”
The activist’s letter has reignited debates around the principle of generational shift in public service and the need to create opportunities for younger Nigerians to participate in governance and policymaking.
Responding to Idam’s letter, a spokesperson for the National Assembly defended the bill, arguing that it aims to retain experienced staff and ensure continuity in legislative processes.
President Tinubu is expected to make a decision on the bill in the coming weeks, amid rising calls from civil society groups and youth organizations to prioritize policies that promote generational inclusion and renewal in public institutions.
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