The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has dismissed allegations questioning his participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and his attendance at the Nigerian Law School, describing the claims as unproven and misleading.

 

The allegations were raised on Friday in Abuja during a press conference by a coalition led by the Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG), which called for scrutiny of the Deputy Speaker’s academic and service records.

 

However, Kalu, through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, maintained that the claims stem from a petition that has neither been substantiated nor determined by any competent authority.

 

According to the statement, the Deputy Speaker remains a duly qualified legal practitioner whose professional credentials have passed through the required institutional verification processes.

 

The statement recalled that Kalu was officially called to the Nigerian Bar in September 2011 and subsequently enrolled as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, a process overseen by the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Law School.

 

It stressed that the procedure involves rigorous verification of academic and statutory requirements before an individual is admitted to practice law in the country.

 

“At no time since his call to the Bar has any competent legal authority invalidated his qualification or professional status,” the statement said.

 

It further noted that the current controversy emerged from a petition reportedly written by a former official of the Nigerian Bar Association requesting that the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) review aspects of the Deputy Speaker’s academic and service records.

 

Kalu’s office emphasized that the existence of a petition does not amount to proof of wrongdoing and warned against attempts to judge individuals in the court of public opinion.

 

“The coalition’s attempt to present speculation as established fact is premature, misleading, and inconsistent with the principles of fairness and due process which civil society organisations themselves claim to defend,” the statement added.

 

The Deputy Speaker also denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he has never forged credentials or falsified official records.

 

The statement noted that similar allegations were raised during political contests ahead of the 2023 general elections but were dismissed during legal proceedings in which Kalu affirmed the authenticity of his qualifications.

 

“It is therefore troubling that some groups have chosen to recycle unverified allegations at a time when the Deputy Speaker is deeply engaged in national legislative responsibilities,” the statement said.

 

Kalu expressed confidence in the integrity of Nigeria’s institutions, stating that he would fully cooperate with any competent authority should clarification or documentation be required.

 

The Deputy Speaker also cautioned against calls for him to step aside based solely on unverified claims, warning that such actions could encourage politically motivated petitions aimed at destabilizing public officials.

 

He reiterated his commitment to his duties as Deputy Speaker, noting that his focus remains on legislative reforms, national development and strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria.

 

The statement urged the public to disregard attempts to politicise the issue and allow relevant statutory bodies to handle any petitions in accordance with the law.

 

“Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu will continue to discharge his duties with integrity, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian people,” the statement concluded.