The Southwest Progressive Youth Alliance has criticized the Honourable Minister of Youth, Mr. Emmanuel Olawande Ayodele Wisdom, over what they described as undue interference in the selection process for members of the Sixth Session of the Nigeria Youth Parliament.
In a statement released by the Alliance’s Coordinator, Comrade Sunday Akande, the group condemned the Minister’s alleged disregard for established procedures, which traditionally allow state ministries of youth development the autonomy to nominate representatives for the Parliament. The Minister’s call for re-nominations has reportedly disrupted the process, leaving the inauguration of the Sixth Session overdue.
“This is the first time in the history of the Nigeria Youth Parliament that a Minister has called for re-nomination of members, even though the stipulated tenure for each session is two calendar years,” Akande said. He described the Minister’s actions as a blatant disregard for established processes and an unnecessary delay in empowering the youth body.
The Alliance urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure that the Honourable Minister respects the autonomy of the state ministries and adheres to laid-down procedures.
“We expect the Honourable Minister to focus on implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda by addressing critical issues like youth unemployment and restiveness instead of interfering with the composition of the Nigeria Youth Parliament,” the statement added.
The group called on youth organizations across the country to resist what they termed an attempt by the Minister to subvert the system. They emphasized the need for transparency and adherence to protocol in the Parliament’s composition and inauguration.
The Nigeria Youth Parliament, established to provide a platform for young Nigerians to engage in governance and policy-making, has faced delays in its operations due to the ongoing controversy.
Comrade Sunday Akande
Coordinator,
South West Progressive Youth Alliance.
