Why Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu Is Fighting Back Over NYSC, Law School Allegations

The Office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has strongly rebutted allegations surrounding his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) participation and attendance at the Nigerian Law School.

The rebuttal follows a press conference organised by a coalition led by the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance, which questioned the Deputy Speaker's credentials and demanded clarification over his academic and service records.

All Facts Newspaper had earlier reported the coalition's demands, including calls for investigation and public accountability regarding the allegations.

However, in a press release issued on Friday, the Deputy Speaker's office described the claims as "speculative and politically coloured narratives,ÔÇØ insisting they remain unproven allegations arising from a petition that has not been substantiated by any competent authority.

According to the statement signed by Chief Press Secretary Levinus Nwabughiogu, Benjamin Kalu remains a duly qualified legal practitioner whose professional credentials have been examined at multiple stages of his career.

The statement recalled that the Deputy Speaker was called to the Nigerian Bar in September 2011 and subsequently enrolled as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of Nigeria after completing all necessary verification processes.

The process, it explained, is regulated by the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Law School, which conduct rigorous checks on academic and statutory requirements before a candidate can be admitted to the Bar.

"At no time since his call to the Bar has any competent legal authority invalidated his qualification or professional status,ÔÇØ the statement stressed.

The Deputy Speaker's office further explained that the controversy stems from 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 examine aspects of Kalu's records.

However, the office insisted that the mere existence of a petition does not amount to proof of wrongdoing.

"It would be deeply irresponsible to attempt to convict any individual in the court of public opinion,ÔÇØ the statement noted.

The office accused the coalition of presenting speculation as established fact and warned that such actions contradict the principles of fairness and due process that civil society groups claim to uphold.

The statement also rejected calls by the coalition for the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu to step aside, describing the demand as an attempt to pressure public institutions.

According to the office, issuing ultimatums and threatening protests based on unverified allegations amounts to political blackmail.

It warned that accepting such demands could set a dangerous precedent where politically motivated petitions become tools to destabilise public officials.

The Deputy Speaker's office revealed that similar allegations were raised during political contests leading up to the 2023 elections.

According to the statement, those accusations were addressed in legal proceedings where Kalu affirmed the authenticity of his credentials.

It also referenced comments by a youth organisation which recently stated that no verified official report has indicted the Deputy Speaker, adding that previous verification exercises confirmed the validity of his NYSC certificate.

Despite dismissing the allegations, the Deputy Speaker's office reiterated that he remains committed to transparency and respect for Nigerian institutions.

The statement noted that Benjamin Kalu has full confidence in the integrity of Nigerian institutions and will cooperate with any competent authority should clarification or documentation be requested.

The office also reaffirmed the Deputy Speaker's commitment to his national responsibilities, particularly legislative reforms and strengthening democratic institutions.

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

Political observers say the controversy highlights the growing tension between civil society activism and political leadership, especially as Nigeria's political landscape begins to shape up ahead of future elections.

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