Osun legislature to give speedy passage to ‘Not Too Young To Run Bill’

Young Nigerians march to protest against age barriers on political posts in Abuja, on July 25

The Osun House of Assembly, on Tuesday, declared that “Not Too Young To Run Bill” which was presented before the lawmakers in 2017 would be given speedy passage after the conclusion of its deliberation on the Constitutional Amendments Bill forwarded to by the National Assembly.

The House maintained that ‘Not Too Young To Run Bill’, the nation can achieve more through the agility and dynamism of its youth population in addressing socio-economic challenges, facing Nigeria.

Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Osogbo, Osun State capital, the chairman House Committee on Information and Strategy, Hon Bosun Oyintiloye, who represents Obokun State Constituency said “we would give speedy passage to the bill after budget defence by ministries and after our conclusion on deliberations on the Constitutional Amendments Bill, which is before the House of Assembly”.

According to the lawmaker, “Not Too Young To Run Bill passed by the National Assembly in July 2017 reduced the age requirement for President from 40 to 30 years, Governor from 35 to 30 years and Senate from 35 to 30 years”, adding that “it also reduced the age of those vying for a seat in the House of Representatives and State Assemblies from 30 to 25 years.

While explaining that Osun legislature’s stand on the bill was in tandem with national aspiration, especially for the promotion of youths to the leadership position, Oyintiloye stated that “Osun Assembly’s disposition to the bill is positive. If you are following up with the activities of the house, you will come to terms and agree that the assembly strongly believes in youth engagement and youth inclusion in governance.

“The trend worldwide favours this paradigm shift and our youths are no less qualified to demonstrate their capacity to be part of the game as well as raise the bar for social stability. Youths, therefore, should not only brace up but showcase their talents and exhibit positive attitude to take advantage of the opportunity provided by this constitutional development,” the lawmaker remarked.

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S-Davies Wande