24 lawyers to challenge suit against retirement bill for NASS workers

The Alliance for Credible Legislative Conducts (ACLC), an NGO, has said 24 lawyers are prepared to challenge a lawsuit at a federal high court in Abuja aimed at halting the bill that extends the retirement age of National Assembly staff.

The bill, which has been passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, seeks to increase the retirement age of National Assembly Service staff from 60 to 65 years of age or from 35 to 40 years in service, whichever comes earlier.

While the bill is awaiting presidential assent, it has faced criticism, with some urging President Bola Tinubu to reject it.

The Chairman of ACLC, Afuye Clement, in a statement, expressed concerns about the motivations behind the lawsuit, suggesting that it is driven by individuals with ulterior motives who do not have the best interests of the National Assembly at heart.

Clement said, “This latest development is nothing but part of a concerted push by a gang of recklessly daring and desperate individuals who are hell-bent on truncating this wonderful Bill presently before President Bola Tinubu.”

He further said 24 lawyers are ready to challenge the injunction pro bono if granted by the high court, emphasizing their commitment to defending the bill and the interests of the National Assembly.