The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday passed the Not Too Young to Run Bill, after thousands of youths besieged the National Assembly on Tuesday, following reports that national legislators were planning to perk the eligibility age to contest for the office of the President at 35 years.
The Senate made the disclosure today on its Twitter handle. In a series of Tweet, the Red Chamber said the passage of the Bill will "open the room for young Nigerians and strengthen democracy by large." It added that the Senate has by the passage, "laid a new foundation for Nigerians and placed opportunities in the hands of the younger generations."
Meanwhile, one of the Senators, a renowned human rights activist, Sen. Shehu Sani described the move as commendable. He explained that the passage of the Bill would open a new vista in Nigeria politics. He further maintained that when the Bill is eventually signed into law by the President, the younger generation would be given the opportunity to contribute their quota to national development.
"We voted yes so that the young can now run for public office for the nation to benefit from their fresh ideas."
Recall that on Tuesday, thousands of Nigerians, mainly youths staged a peaceful march from Unity Fountain, Maitama Abuja to the National Assembly Complex in support of the Bill. The march was triggered by reports that the National Assembly had set aside the bill in the ongoing constitution amendment exercise.
