The Edo House of Assembly, on Wednesday, passed a bill to amend the state’s retirement age law for magistrates, presidents of area customary courts, and state counsels from 60 years to 65 years.
The bill was passed after Adeh Isibor (Esan North-East constituency) presented the report of the Joint Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and Rules, Business and Government House.
The report contained five findings and three recommendations.
It noted that the Edo Retirement Age of Magistrates and Presidents of Area Customary Courts Law, 2025, provides the existing framework for the retirement age of the affected officers.
Following the presentation, the House dissolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider the bill.
The committee, therefore, amended the relevant provisions of the law to extend the retirement age of State Counsels in the Ministry of Justice from 60 to 65.
The amendment included those who, by appointment or promotion, occupy the offices of Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General.
The amended provision also stated that magistrates, presidents of area customary courts, and state counsels in the Ministry of Justice shall retire upon attaining 40 years of pensionable service.
The House, thereafter, reverted to plenary, considered and adopted the amendments, and passed the bill.
The Speaker, Yekini Idaiye, directed that a clean copy of the bill be forwarded to Gov. Monday Okpebholo for his assent.
In a related development, the House also considered and adopted its business calendar for the second quarter of the fourth and final session of the 8th Assembly.
In a motion before the House, the Majority Leader, Mr. Sunday Ojezele, said the schedule provided for 11 sitting days in September, 20 in October, and 21 in November, making a total of 52 sitting days for the quarter.
The motion was seconded by Kingsley Ugabi (Etsako East constituency).
The Speaker subsequently adjourned the sitting to September 23.
