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Nigerian Lawmakers Seek to Lower Age Requirement for Senate and Governorship

Phinadon Mag

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AgeReductionBill2025 as lawmakers push constitutional amendment to lower the minimum age for Senate and governorship positions, aiming to expand youth participation in politics.

Bill to Amend Age Qualification

A new legislative proposal titled ‘A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Reduce the Age for Qualification for Membership of the Senate and Office of the Governor and for Related Matters (HB. 2235)’ has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

The bill, sponsored by Esin Martin Etim and twenty-four other lawmakers, seeks to reduce the minimum age requirement for candidates aspiring to the Senate and governorship positions from 35 years to 30 years.

Current Constitutional Provisions

Under the existing 1999 Constitution, candidates must be at least 35 years old to contest for the Senate or governorship, while those seeking election into the House of Representatives may contest from age 25.

Etim, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker representing Mbo/Okobo/Oron/Udung Uko/Urue Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, argued that the current age threshold limits opportunities for young legislators aspiring to higher political offices.

Rationale Behind the Amendment

Etim explained that the 10-year gap between eligibility for the House of Representatives and higher offices restricts political progression for young lawmakers.

He noted that a legislator who enters the House at 25 years old and completes two four-year terms would still be ineligible to contest for Senate or governorship at age 33.

The proposed amendment would reduce the gap to five years, allowing more seamless advancement for young politicians.

Legislative Progress

After Etim presented the bill, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put it to a voice vote. The majority of lawmakers supported its second reading, signaling broad approval for the initiative.

The bill has now been referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative consideration and possible inclusion in the next round of constitutional amendments.

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Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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News

Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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