Reps Drop Bill Making Varsity Degree Minimum Qualification For President, Govs

A bill for an Act seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to change the educational qualification for elections into certain political offices, has been stepped down by the leave of the House of Representatives.

Standing in the name of Adewunmi Onanuga, the proposed legislation aimed at pegging minimum qualification for elections into the governorship, presidential, and other key elective offices in the country.

Leading the debate during plenary session on Tuesday, Onanuga, who represents Ikenne/Salami/Remo North Federal Constituency, Ogun State, argued that the constitution of Nigeria 1999 should be amended to make it compulsory for elective office holders to have a University degree or its equivalent as against the current provision which allows a First School Leaving Certificate holder to vie for the highest office in the land.

Although, the bill enjoyed support from House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, Babajimi Benson, Kingsley Chinda and a host of other lawmakers; Aliyu Madaki, a lawmaker from Kano State and Ahmadu Jaha (APC, Borno) and some others kicked against proposed alteration.

A disappointed Onanuga stepped down the bill, pledging to lobby more of her colleagues preparatory to having it presented on the floor of the House at a later date.

“It appears some of our colleagues need further lobbying. I will move to step down the bill for now,” she said.

Details later…

(Punch)