Finally, Buhari signs Not Too Young To Run Bill into law

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday signed the much awaited Not too young to run Bill.

He had promised in his Democracy Day speech on Tuesday that he would soon sign the document which was recently passed and sent to him by the National Assembly.

The Bill reduces the age of those eligible to contest for the presidency from 40 to 30 years, while that of governorship is now 30, from 35years.

The age to contest for senatorial and states House of Assembly positions is now 25 years, as opposed to the former 30 years.

Buhari signed the bill at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa under the watch of NTYTR group of under- 35 young Nigerians from across the country led by Mr. Samson Itodo.

In his remarks at the event, Buhari, who is seeking re-election called on the youths to run against him, but should postpone their presidential ambitions after the 2019 general elections.

READ ALSO : 2019: PDP warns Buhari’s relatives in INEC, security agencies against foul play

Describing the bill as a landmark law, Buhari called for amendments that will reduce the age limits for aspiring governors and senators, which was initially proposed but did not appear in the final bill signed into law.

According to the President, the signing of the bill into law is a beginning of efforts to be made to ensure there are younger Nigerians in government

He stated, that “the coordinators of the Not Too Young To Run movement have now established a formidable legacy – which is that, in our maturing democracy, if you really want to change something in Nigeria, and if you can organise yourselves and work hard towards it – you can achieve it. The outcome of such efforts is this remarkable feat.

“These efforts have resulted in the heroic task of enshrining in law, a reduction of the minimum ages for elective office in Nigeria”.

The president however, lamented, that “Surprisingly, the age limits for Senators and Governors was not reduced, as originally proposed by the sponsors of this Bill. This is an issue that may need to be addressed going forward”.

He cautioned, that “it may be tempting for you to think of this as the end of the journey. However, it is only the beginning; there is still a lot of work ahead, towards ensuring that young people take full advantage of the opportunities provided not only by this constitutional amendment, but also through Nigeria’s boundless prospects”.

 

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