List All News Articles#NotTooYoungToRun bill Passes second reading
Published Date: Wednesday, 8 June 2016
ANYONE SPEAKING AGAINST THE #NOTTOOYOUNGTORUN BILL IS WASTING HIS TIME- DOGARA
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, today, threw his legislative weight behind the #NotTooYoungToRun Bill which came up for a second reading on the floor of the green chamber.
The Bill which seeks to reduce the age qualification for contesting elective offices in Nigeria, as well as allow for independent candidacy in Nigeria's electoral process, is sponsored by Hon. Tony Nwulu, Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency II, Lagos State.
In his summation on the floor of the House, Hon. Tony Nwulu, one of the young legislators under the #YLAPNG project, stated that throughout history, young people have been at the forefront of promoting democratic development and nation building.
Hon. Nwulu listed nationalists such as Dr. Herbert Macauley, Ernest Okoli, Chief H.O. Davies, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who championed the struggle for independence at a youthful age.
Making a case for youth inclusion in governance, Hon. Nwulu revealed that the Nigerian Constitution places age restrictions in elective offices despite prescribing the age of 18 as the voting age.
"The age restrictions create a huge gap between the voting age and eligible age to run for office. Whilst the right to vote is guaranteed, the analogous right to be voted for is not guaranteed until the attainment of an age bracket that is above the youth age classification," he said.
The young legislator stated that amending the constitution to lower the age of running for office as well as to allow for independent candidacy, will guarantee opportunities for youths to contribute to democratic governance at the Local, State, and National Level.
According to him, "the #NotTooYoungToRun Bill will enhance democratic development, as the resourcefulness of Nigerian youths will be harnessed in a sustainable manner.
"This Bill will promote inclusive politics, which has been the bane of Nigeria's political process. For democracy to thrive, a level playing field must be created for all citizen to participate as well actualize their political aspirations.
Hon. Tony Nwulu urged all legislators in the National Assembly to support the quick passage of the #NotTooYoungToRun Bill to pave the way for more youth inclusion in the political process.
Before calling for a vote on the Bill, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara stated that anyone speaking against the bill is engaging in futility.
"Raise your objections at the committee level. For us, we are young people. Therefore, anyone speaking against the Bill is wasting his/her time.
The #NotTooYoungToRun Bill subsequently scaled second reading and was referred to the Committee on Constitution Amendment for further legislative considerations.
