 A bill second to harmonize the retirement age of legislative offices of the National Assembly from 60 to 65 years, or 30 to 35 years of service, has been stepped down on the floor of the Senate. The controversial bill sponsored by the leader of the Senate of Miami-Bamidili divided lawmakers during plenary today. The senators could not reach an agreement as they debated for or against the extension of either the service year or the retirement age as the case may be. Speaking in support of the bill, Senator Sumaila Cowell noted that the National Assembly service job was specialized, hence the need for its extension. He added that since the staff in question go through a series of training sessions, such could become a waste if they are allowed to retire early. But Senator Enya Naye Abaribi disagreed saying he does not see any difference between a National Assembly staff member and a civil servant who works at the Ministry of Commerce. Bill 6, distinguished colleagues, to make provisions for a harmonized retirement age for legislative officers of the National Assembly, exempting them from the application of the General Service Rule on Retirement Age. Mr. President, respected colleagues, the bill provides for the retirement age of legislative officers to retire at the age of 65 years or 40 years of service, whichever is earlier. You would agree with me that the National Assembly is a specialized institution with needs to be strengthened and to achieve this, its officers need to be placed well by removing them from public service rules. After a heated debate, Senator Alindome advised that the matter be stepped down for further consultations. A suggestion, Senator Alindome, of the Senate first in Gatsby-Lakmabiu agreed to. I am supporting this proposal or I am supporting this bill because of one fundamental issue. If we can remember, in 2009, 2010, when we started the process of amending Nigerian constitution, the Senate and the House constituted a constitutional amendment as we have it today. I am glad to say the gentleman sitting before you is the Secretary of our Committee of the Constitutional Amendment in the Sixth and Seventh Assembly. Most of this work is by brain, not a physical. Therefore, I am supporting this amendment and I am urging our colleagues to support this amendment because legislation work is professional, it's very special, it's not like the other civil studies work. I mean, make a mistake, but if you put this on a secret ballot to the staff here, you'll be surprised what will happen. If we are here, we should really be Senators. This matter, I've listened to our colleagues from both sides. I'm not opposing or supporting, but I'm cautioning us that we need to do more consultation on this matter before we take a decision. This is a contestious matter. Let us step it down and do more consultation. In support of the bill, I also wanted to hear from those who are opposed to the bill and I've seen so many hands here who are opposed to the bill. Therefore, the bill is controversial. My opinion is that we step it down for more consultations. Is that the view of the Senate? I put the question, I put the question. Those in support of the motion that were of the view that we step it down for further consultation, say aye and those against me. The ayes have it.