Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Speaker, Edo State Youth Parliament, Prince Fawaz Muhammad has resigned as the Speaker of the Parliament.
He also resigned as a member of the Parliament, citing gross indifference from those who originally ought to have protected its interest, resulting in the decline of the welfare of the youths.
In the letter of resignation personally signed and made available to Journalists in Benin, Muhammad said the financial burden of the day-to-day running of the Parliament was left squarely on the shoulders of its members.
He said he can’t remain silence while things continue to deteriorate despite efforts being made by members to salvage the situation .
According to him “In accordance with Section 4.3 of the Constitution of the Edo State Youth Parliament (2021), I hereby tender my resignation both as Speaker and as a member of the 2nd Assembly of the Edo State Youth Parliament.
“The Edo State Youth Parliament has survived—not through institutional commitment—but through the personal and financial sacrifices of its members.
“This is unsustainable, unjust, and contrary to the spirit in which this Parliament was established.
“In the current dispensation, we’ve seen youth welfare decline from bad to worse. Young people are losing confidence in good governance. Critical issues affecting Edo youths receive little to no meaningful attention, unless they are touts or praise singers of mis-governance.
“Presently, youth concerns are pushed to the background and treated as an afterthought when they are acknowledged at all.
“The establishment of the Edo State Youth Parliament sowed a visionary seed that empowered young people to learn, question, challenge, and lead. For this courageous investment in youth governance, Edo youths will forever remain appreciative.
“However, leadership demands clarity, honesty, and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths. Today, I choose truth over silence, duty over comfort, and my people over political pretence.
“And as the saying goes, “Bad governance is like a stray bullet—it does not discriminate.” Its consequences reach everyone directly or indirectly. We are all affected, and we all bear the weight of its failures.
“I cannot, in good conscience, remain a ceremonial Youth Parliament Speaker while my constituents face fear, vulnerability, and administrative indifference.
“I cannot lead a Parliament that runs on sacrifice while those empowered to strengthen youth governance look the other way.
“I cannot allow my voice to be confined within a system that has chosen not to listen. When institutions fail, leaders must refuse to fail with them”,.
Muhammad commended his fellow parliamentarians for their immense contributions over the years.
“To my honourable colleagues turned family: your loyalty, resilience, and unwavering commitment kept this Parliament alive. You funded its heartbeat when others turned their backs. I appreciate you and I know that history will remember your courage and resilience.
“I must also acknowledge the Clerk of the Parliament, the Head of Chamber, and the Sergeant-at-Arms. Your institutional guidance, procedural support, and consistent dedication played an invaluable role in helping the Parliament function despite overwhelming odds.
“Your professionalism and commitment to duty remain commendable.
,”Please accept this letter as my formal notice, to be presented at the next sitting day, after which I shall cease to be a member of the Parliament as provided by our Constitution”, Muhammad said.