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.
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 a plenary session, ADEWUNMI ONANUGA, who represents Ikenne/Sagamu/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; however, ALIYU MADAKI, a lawmaker from Kano State and AHMADU JAHA from Borno State and some others kicked against proposed alteration.
ONANUGA thereafter 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.