Amanze Chinonye
The office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has dismissed allegations concerning irregularities in his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) participation and attendance at the Nigerian Law School, describing the claims as unproven and politically motivated.
In a statement issued Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the office was reacting to a press conference organised by a coalition led by the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance, which raised questions about the Deputy Speaker’s NYSC records and legal training.
The statement said the allegations being circulated stem from a petition that has not been substantiated or determined by any competent authority, stressing that Kalu remains a duly qualified legal practitioner.
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According to the statement, Kalu was called to the Nigerian Bar in September 2011 and subsequently enrolled as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of Nigeria through a process supervised by the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Law School.
“At no time since his call to the Bar has any competent legal authority invalidated his qualification or professional status,” the statement said.
The Deputy Speaker’s office noted that the controversy followed a petition reportedly written by a former official of the Nigerian Bar Association requesting that the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee and the National Youth Service Corps review aspects of his academic and service records.
However, it emphasised that the existence of a petition does not amount to proof of wrongdoing and warned against attempts to “convict any individual in the court of public opinion.”
The statement accused some groups of presenting speculation as established fact and described the claims as premature and misleading.
It also cited comments by a youth organisation which reportedly said there was no verified official report indicting the Deputy Speaker, adding that previous verification exercises had confirmed the validity of his NYSC certificate.
The office further maintained that similar allegations were raised during the 2023 political contests but were dismissed in legal proceedings in which Kalu affirmed the authenticity of his credentials.
The rebuttal follows a press conference in Abuja earlier this week where the coalition alleged inconsistencies between Kalu’s attendance at the Nigerian Law School and his participation in the NYSC scheme.
At the briefing, the group claimed that records suggested the Deputy Speaker attended the law school between 2010 and 2011 while also holding an NYSC discharge certificate reportedly issued in March 2011, which it argued indicated an overlap between the two programmes.
The coalition maintained that undertaking both simultaneously would be contrary to regulations governing the law school and the NYSC scheme. It therefore called on the NYSC to clarify the authenticity of the certificate and urged the Council of Legal Education to confirm Kalu’s attendance and compliance with statutory academic requirements.
The group also issued a 72-hour ultimatum asking the Deputy Speaker to step aside pending investigation, warning that it could mobilise protests if authorities failed to act.
Responding, Kalu’s office said he has confidence in the integrity of Nigerian institutions and would cooperate with any competent authority seeking clarification or documentation.
The statement also rejected calls for the Deputy Speaker to step aside over the allegations, warning that such demands based on unverified claims could set a dangerous precedent and encourage politically motivated petitions against public officials.
It added that the Deputy Speaker remains focused on his legislative responsibilities and national development agenda.
“Public office holders must remain accountable, but accountability must operate within the framework of law, evidence and due process, not media sensationalism,” the statement said.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
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