Bill to bar over-60s from presidency, governorship passes second reading
Nigeria’s House of Representatives has advanced a controversial constitutional amendment that would bar individuals aged 60 and above from contesting for the offices of President and Governor. The bill, which passed its second reading during Thursday’s plenary session, could reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. If enacted into law, the measure would render some of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures—including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (72), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (78), and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi (63)—ineligible to seek office in the next election cycle. The bill, sponsored by Imo State lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere, proposes a sweeping amendment to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution and calls for both age and education-based reforms to the nation’s eligibility criteria for top executive positions. Key Provisions: Education and Age Cap Formally titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to Review the Requirements that Qualify a Person to Be Elected as President, Vice President, Governor, and Deputy Governor”, the legislation introduces two core changes: The proposal amends Section 131 of the Constitution for presidential and vice-presidential qualifications, and Section 177 for gubernatorial and deputy gubernatorial candidates. “This bill seeks to modernize Nigeria’s leadership criteria and ensure a generational shift in governance,” Ugochinyere said during the debate. “It is time to prioritize merit, education, and youth participation in public office.” The bill has already ignited debate within and beyond the National Assembly. Nigeria’s political elite is predominantly older, with the average age of Senators standing at approximately 63 years, and members of the House of Representatives averaging 56 years. For comparison, in the United States—the world’s second-largest democracy—the average age of members of the House of Representatives is 58, while U.S. Senators average 64. While critics argue that age does not necessarily correlate with competence, supporters of the bill view it as a necessary corrective to a political culture dominated by aging leaders with long tenures and entrenched interests. In a busy legislative session, the House also passed two other constitutional amendment bills for second reading: The age-limit bill must still pass a third reading in the House, clear the Senate, and receive presidential assent before becoming law. Constitutional amendments in Nigeria also require approval by two-thirds of the 36 state assemblies, making the path to ratification both politically and procedurally demanding. Should it succeed, the bill would constitute one of the most consequential changes to Nigeria’s electoral framework since the nation’s transition to democracy in 1999. Read Also: Peter Obi unveils TikTok page, seeks followers Read Also: Tinubu, APC focused on dismantling Opposition – Atiku
BEDC sparks controversy with pidgin curse on vandals and meter bypassers
The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has triggered widespread reactions after posting a controversial message on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle. On Thursday morning, BEDC publicly cursed those vandalizing transformers and tampering with electricity meters. The post, written in Nigerian Pidgin, stated, “E no go beta for who dey vandalize transformer and who dey bypass.” While the message aimed to address electricity theft and vandalism, its tone has sparked criticism from netizens, who described it as unprofessional. One user, @iamkissking, called out BEDC for the statement, saying, “As you talk am e good. E NOR GO BETTER FOR UNA CAUSE NA WE DEY USE OUR MONEY FIX TRANSFORMER FOR THIS SIDE.” Another user, @DatNaijaGuy1, supported the criticism, highlighting issues with prepaid meters: “Transformers una no dey buy, even cable kpa-kpa una no dey buy. Prepaid metre wey una suppose give customers, una go dey sell am at exorbitant prices. Light we no dey see but una must still collect money. How life wan take better for una?” The backlash continued with @deluxe_k, who tweeted, “Amen … same applies to who does not give light but keeps increasing tariff.” Some commenters accused BEDC of failing to provide basic services while still charging high fees. A frustrated user, @WajufisGm, wrote, “May misfortune be the portion of distribution company wey dey service most part of Ondo state but refuse to provide light for 24hrs in a week for majority of the people. May the company perish!” Others questioned the company’s right to curse customers when, according to them, BEDC’s performance has been subpar. @edin_sparkle tweeted, “If person won even swear, shey na you suppose Dey swear? Your poor performance in Oye-Ikole axis is a result of swears you guys don use head pack.” Many of the complaints centered on the alleged lack of investment by BEDC in critical infrastructure like transformers, cables, and prepaid meters. The controversy is not new. BEDC, responsible for electricity distribution in Delta, Edo, Ekiti, and Ondo states, has faced public criticism and protests in recent years. In April 2024, over 20,000 Edo residents petitioned the House of Representatives after enduring a nine-month power outage. Similarly, in July 2024, Ondo residents staged protests over BEDC’s prolonged failure to restore power in their communities. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) recently issued new penalties for meter tampering and electricity theft. According to an order released on January 22, 2025, first-time offenders using single-phase meters will be fined ₦100,000, with repeat offenders paying ₦150,000. Three-phase meter violators will pay ₦200,000 initially, rising to ₦300,000 for subsequent offences. NERC also introduced harsh fines for maximum demand users, who will pay 450% of their last bill for a first offence and 600% for repeat cases. The measures, NERC says, are designed to curb illegal connections and ensure fair metering. However, many Nigerians believe that unless electricity distribution improves, vandalism and bypassing will remain widespread. As BEDC’s controversial curse continues to trend, one thing is clear—Nigeria’s electricity crisis remains a source of deep frustration for citizens.
25 PWDs graduates with digital skills in Lagos
No less than 25 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) have completed the IT Bridge Academy programme, a pioneering initiative by Sightsavers designed to provide accessible and high-quality IT training. The academy, hosted by Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) Lagos Campus, aims to bridge the digital divide by equipping persons with disabilities with industry-recognised certifications and pathways to employment. The programme’s disability-inclusive model offers tailored support, extended timelines for course completion, and accommodations such as screen readers and sign language interpreters. The graduates, comprising 16 female and 9 male students, earned Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certifications, with some already securing internships at top firms like MTN Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM). The IT Bridge Academy has received overwhelming interest, with over 400 applications received for the Lagos programme alone in 2023. This demonstrates the growing demand for inclusive tech education and employment opportunities in Nigeria. “We’re very happy that Nigeria has the National Commission for Persons with Disability that is also championing this cause, and that the private sector also is coming together to make sure that their workplaces are inclusive for persons with disability. So yes, not the first step, but we still have a long way to go as a nation,” she said. Speaking at the graduation on Thursday, Dr. Joy Shuaibu, Country Director for Sight Savers in Nigeria, noted that it has continually, in all countries where we work, advocated to ensure that persons with disability are not just in employment, but are skilled with what it takes for them to be employed and as a nation, Nigeria have a long way to go. Viola Askia Usoro, Head, Special Programme DBI, representing DBI President David Daber, disclosed that DBI is resolute about pushing the concept of inclusivity to deliver its mandate to carry out capacity building, this time for persons with disabilities. “It is important for us to equip them with the skills so that they can benefit from the opportunities in Nigeria’s digital economy,” she said. She added that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has a very important pillar: youth empowerment, which is “inclusive of all youth, and therefore this program signposts the empowerment for persons with disabilities aspect of that.”
Senior advocate backs Tinubu’s declaration of state of emergency in Rivers
The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Nigeria. The declaration led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and all members of the House of Assembly. The president thereby appointed Retired Admiral Ette Ibas as Sole Administrator of the state. Since then, the declaration of a state of emergency has generated several thoughts, conversations, and opinions, including the constitutional backing of the declaration. In an in-depth discussion on Arise TV’s Good Morning Show, a senior advocate of Nigeria, Abiodun Jelili Owonikoko, provided a legal analysis of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. Addressing concerns surrounding the constitutionality of the proclamation and the appointment of an interim administrator, Owonikoko defended the government’s actions, asserting that due process was followed in accordance with1999 Constitution. Emergency Declaration and Constitutional Backing Owonikoko emphasised that the Nigerian constitution, under Section 305, grants the president the authority to declare a state of emergency in any part of the country when circumstances warrant such action. He explained that this provision was crafted to avoid the legislative gridlock that occurred under the 1962 Constitution, where emergency declarations required parliamentary approval before taking effect, leading to significant political turmoil. “The drafters of the 1999 Constitution learned from history,” Owonikoko stated. “Rather than having the parliament debate extensively before a state of emergency is declared, the constitution now gives the president the initial power to act swiftly, subject to legislative review within 48 hours.” He further highlighted that the proclamation is only effective if it gains the approval of two-thirds of the National Assembly. “If the president did not do his homework and assumed that parliament would see things his way, he would have been disgraced within 48 hours,” he added. Legislative Approval and the Vote Controversy Responding to criticisms regarding the approval process, Owonikoko acknowledged that how the National Assembly approved the proclamation—particularly the use of a voice vote—has raised concerns about transparency. However, he maintained that the National Assembly has the prerogative to determine its voting procedures unless challenged in court. “If evidence is produced showing that the required quorum of two-thirds of the House of Representatives and the Senate was not met, the proclamation can be struck down,” he noted. “But as of now, the decision stands, and it must be assumed that the approval was unanimous until proven otherwise.” Presidential Powers to Suspend a Governor One of the most contentious aspects of the emergency declaration is the suspension of the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Addressing this issue, Owonikoko asserted that the president does not have the power to remove a sitting governor but can temporarily freeze executive powers if the governor is deemed a threat to law and order. “The executive power of a governor must be exercised in a way that does not impede federal authority,” he explained, citing Section 5(3) of the Constitution. “Where a governor’s actions contribute to a breakdown of law and order, the president has the constitutional right to intervene.” He also referenced the Supreme Court’s ruling that there was effectively no functioning government in Rivers State due to the political crisis. “The president does not need more justification than that,” he remarked. Appointment of a Sole Administrator Owonikoko clarified the legal standing of the interim administrator appointed to oversee Rivers State. He argued that the appointment was not a replacement of the governor but a temporary measure to maintain law and order. “The sole administrator is not running an independent administration,” he cautioned. “Governor Fubara remains the governor, but his powers are currently frozen to prevent further instability.” However, he warned that the administrator must act strictly within the limits of his mandate. “If he starts signing Certificates of Occupancy or appointing commissioners, that would be an overreach and could provide grounds for the courts to strike down the proclamation,” he advised. Judicial Review as the Next Step Owonikoko concluded by emphasizing that the judiciary remains the final arbiter on whether the president’s actions constitute an abuse of power. “The courts can be invited to determine if the declaration was justified,” he said. “But as of now, the executive and legislative branches have played their roles, and the constitution has functioned as intended.” The debate surrounding the state of emergency in Rivers State is expected to continue, particularly as legal challenges loom. With tensions high, all eyes remain on the judiciary to potentially clarify the constitutional boundaries of executive power in Nigeria.
Students, youths protest in Akure over insecurity, unmet government promises
A fresh wave of protests broke out in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, on Thursday, as students and youths took to the streets to demand urgent action from the state government on rising insecurity and unfulfilled developmental promises. The protest, led by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus Committee, Ondo Axis, comes amidst increasing cases of kidnappings, farmer-herder clashes, and general insecurity in communities across the state. The demonstrators, mostly students, accused the government of persistent neglect and “empty promises,” particularly regarding student welfare and educational infrastructure. Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Enough is Enough” and “We Demand Action Now,” the protesters marched through major roads in Akure, chanting and calling for immediate reforms. In a statement issued on Wednesday, NANS leaders Oluwarotimi Joshua, Chairman of the Joint Campus Committee, and Naheem Ademola, Deputy Coordinator of NANS South West Zone D, expressed frustration over the government’s inaction despite previous peaceful engagements and official appeals. “Our demands are clear and just. We have engaged in peaceful dialogue, written official letters, and made numerous appeals, yet our cries have been ignored. Enough is enough! The government must act now,” the statement read. The association outlined several key demands, including the renovation and equipping of institutional facilities, the construction and rehabilitation of student hostels, and improved security, particularly for students participating in the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). Other demands include the procurement of promised student buses, support for student entrepreneurship and skill acquisition programs, and justice for an unaddressed attack on NANS members in Ogbese. “The attack on our members at Ogbese remains unaddressed. We will not stand idly while students are left vulnerable and neglected. We are calling on the government to do the needful before this issue escalates further,” the statement added. NANS also called on all students in Ondo State to participate in the protest, emphasizing that it would remain peaceful but resolute. “The power of the students must never be undermined. We are determined to hold the government accountable and demand the quality education and welfare we deserve,” the statement concluded. As of press time, government officials had yet to issue a response to the protest. However, tensions remain high in Akure as students vow to sustain their demonstration until concrete action is taken by the state government. The protest is the latest in a series of youth-led actions in Nigeria, as frustrations continue to mount over issues ranging from insecurity to educational neglect.
Senate approves bill to hold elections on same day
A bill aimed at empowering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct general elections on the same day has successfully passed its second reading in the Nigerian Senate. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022 in a bid to reduce the spiralling costs of elections, shorten campaign periods, and allow elected officeholders to participate as ad hoc delegates in party congresses. Leading the debate on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Senator Saliu Mustapha emphasised the unsustainable financial burden of elections, noting that the cost has surged from ₦1.5 billion in 1999 to a staggering ₦350 billion in 2023. “The current staggered election process is a major financial burden. Holding all elections on the same day will save costs, improve voter turnout, and reduce political tension,” Mustapha argued, highlighting the inefficiency and expense associated with staggered elections. He further pointed out that staggered polls also contribute to voter fatigue, disillusionment, and increased logistical challenges. The proposal has received widespread support from several senators, who agreed on the need for electoral reforms to reduce financial pressures. However, some lawmakers raised concerns about INEC’s ability to manage nationwide elections on a single day. Senator Adams Oshiomhole voiced caution, suggesting that while the bill was well-intentioned, the readiness of INEC should be carefully evaluated before moving forward. He questioned whether the electoral body had the necessary resources and infrastructure to conduct all elections in a single day, particularly in light of the logistical challenges posed by multiple ballot papers. “We must ask: Is INEC equipped to conduct all elections in one day? We must also consider the confusion that multiple ballot papers could create, especially for illiterate voters,” Oshiomhole warned. The Senate is expected to conduct further scrutiny of the bill in the coming weeks, as lawmakers continue to deliberate on the proposed amendments to the Electoral Act. READ ALSO: Bill to cap presidential, gubernatorial candidates’ age at 60 passes second reading
Bill to cap presidential, gubernatorial candidates’ age at 60 passes second reading
A bill seeking to prevent individuals above 60 years from contesting for the offices of president and governor has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives. If enacted, the legislation would disqualify President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from participating in the 2027 presidential election, as all are over the proposed age limit. Sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere, a lawmaker from Imo State, the bill is formally titled: “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to Review the Qualification Criteria for Presidential and Gubernatorial Elections.” Among its provisions, the bill mandates that any candidate vying for the office of president or governor must hold at least a university degree and must not be older than 60 at the time of contesting. READ ALSO: Tinubu unbothered by 2027 elections – Presidency It was one of 31 constitutional amendment bills that passed the second reading during Thursday’s plenary session. In a related move, the House advanced another bill that seeks to elevate Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State to the status of a Federal University of Education, ensuring federal recognition and funding for the institution. Similarly, a bill advocating for the mandatory inclusion of youths and persons with disabilities in political appointments was approved for the next legislative stage. Sponsored by Ugochinyere, the proposed law aims to enhance representation and inclusivity in governance. Another significant proposal that scaled the second reading seeks to transfer trade and commerce to the concurrent legislative list. If passed, this would allow both federal and state governments to regulate economic activities, fostering inter-state commerce and stimulating business growth. The House also deliberated on education-focused bills, including those proposing the establishment of: Federal University of Education, Zaria (sponsored by Speaker Abbas and Rep. Yusuf Gagdi), Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano and University of Nigerian Languages, Aba. Further legislative efforts were made toward gender representation, as the Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies Bill, 2025, sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, also passed its second reading. This bill aims to guarantee specific parliamentary seats for women to enhance gender balance in governance. READ ALSO: Atiku calls for a “New Movement” to re-engineer Nigeria’s democracy Additionally, judicial reforms took center stage with bills such as: the timelines for justice administration bill, 2025, sponsored by Benjamin Kalu, which seeks to accelerate the judicial process in Nigeria. The Increase in Number of Supreme Court & Court of Appeal Justices Bill, sponsored by Bello Kaoje, aimed at expanding the number of justices to enhance the judiciary’s efficiency. The House also debated proposals concerning state creation, with theWan State (North Central) Bill, 2025, and the Gobir State (North West) Bill, 2025, both progressing to the next stage of legislative consideration.
Atiku calls allegations of receiving Lagos funds ‘blatant lie from pit of hell’
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed as a ‘blatant lie from the pit of hell’ the allegations linking him to purported financial dealings involving Lagos State funds. In a statement issued on Thursday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku refuted reports suggesting that Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through Ms Aisha Achimugu, provided funds to him during the 2023 presidential election. Describing the claim as ‘contrived political hogwash’ and a ‘futile campaign of calumny’, he noted that the accusation was an attempt to serve the political interests of President Bola Tinubu. Atiku stressed that he has no relationship with Sanwo-Olu and has never met him. He question the logic behind such an alleged transaction—especially given that he and Tinubu were direct political opponents in the 2023 presidential election. READ ALSO: Atiku arrogant, jealous of Tinubu – Presidency He further suggested that the allegation was part of a two-pronged political strategy: to justify Sanwo-Olu’s diminishing influence within Tinubu’s camp and to undermine the emerging coalition of opposition leaders, in which he plays a key role. The statement read: “We at Atiku Media Office have taken note of reports in a section of the media that the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through Ms Aisha Achimugu,, made available to His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007 money purportedly belonging to Lagos State. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is also credited with investigating the matter. “This piece of kindergarten propaganda is beneath the camp of Tinubu. How is it possible for an Atiku that does not know and had no connection with Sanwo-Olu to be having a transaction with him involving the exchange of money – let alone during the Presidential election of 2023 in which his boss was a contestant? To what end would that be? “We wish to, therefore, state emphatically and for the record that it is a political hatchet job aimed at providing a much-needed justification to jettison Governor Sanwo-Olu, who appears to have fallen out of favour with the “Bourdillon Cult.” “To even underscore how poor the propaganda is, an unnamed Sanwo-Olu’s aide is quoted in the news story trashing his principal and adding fuel to the fire. Pray, who does that? “Since the EFCC has been dragged into the arena of politics and propaganda, we challenge the anti-corruption agency to make public the outcome of its alleged investigation. READ ALSO: Atiku criticises military parade for Tinubu’s son, demands investigation “It is not just the President that is entitled to that information but the generality of the Nigerian public, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Presidential flag bearer in the 2023 election, Peter Obi. “This voyage of misadventure and campaign of calumny against the person and reputation of Atiku Abubakar must be halted immediately and with alacrity, too.”
Oyebanji approves increase in subvention to tertiary institutions, others
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has approved an increase in the monthly subvention allocated to the Judiciary, the legislative arm of government, and other subvented institutions in the state. Olayinka Oyebode, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, announced this in a statement on Thursday. The increment, totalling ₦438.9 million monthly, is aimed at enabling these institutions to accommodate the new minimum wage and the consequential salary adjustments for workers. The beneficiaries of this increase include the Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal, Ekiti State High Court of Justice, Ekiti State Judicial Service Commission, and Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission. READ ALSO: Oyebanji says Ekiti invests billions in power reconnection Other institutions covered are Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti; Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH); Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere Ekiti; Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan Ekiti; College of Health Technology, Ijero-Ekiti; and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions. Additionally, Governor Oyebanji has approved the payment of the outstanding 2020 leave bonus for local government workers, fulfilling his commitment to settling all outstanding entitlements inherited from previous administrations. Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to the welfare of workers and retirees, the governor emphasised ongoing efforts to clear all outstanding entitlements, including gratuities, in line with the government’s continuity and shared prosperity agenda. READ ALSO: Senate rejects proposal to rename INEC HQ after Nwosu He urged workers to remain committed to excellent service delivery and to view themselves as key stakeholders in the Ekiti Project.
NNPCL moves closer to IPO, finalising stock market listing
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) is in the final stages of preparing for its Initial Public Offering (IPO) and is set to be listed on the stock market, according to a recent announcement. In a statement issued by Olufemi O. Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, the company revealed that it is currently in the midst of selecting project partners ahead of its public listing. This selection process will focus on identifying the most advantageous partnerships to support the IPO. “NNPC Ltd is at the final stage of getting listed in the capital market, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021,” said Soneye. The statement was made following remarks by Mr. Olugbenga Oluwaniyi, the Chief Finance and Investor Relations Officer (CFIO) of NNPC Ltd, during a consultative meeting with partners held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Thursday. Oluwaniyi explained that the company is engaging with prospective partners in an initiative called the “NNPC Ltd. IPO Beauty Parade.” This exercise, which aligns with capital market regulations, is intended to finalise partnerships ahead of the IPO launch. “The goal of the IPO Beauty Parade is to identify potential partners who can support the company in key areas,” said Oluwaniyi. “The areas of focus include Investor Relations, IPO Readiness Advisers, and Investment Bank Partners.” According to the CFIO, the company will select the partner offering the best project proposal in each of the three categories. An IPO is a public offering in which a company’s shares are sold to institutional investors, opening the company to public ownership. Under the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), NNPC Ltd is set to list its shares in the capital market in compliance with the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 1990. READ ALSO: NNPCL withheld N13.7trn Federation Account revenue – Report
