The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called on the public and civil society groups to respect the principle of due process amid fresh allegations concerning his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) participation and attendance at the Nigerian Law School.
His office was reacting to a world press conference held earlier on Friday in Abuja by a coalition led by the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance (CSGGG).
The coalition had demanded that Kalu step aside pending the determination of what it described as issues of perjury and false representation surrounding his academic and service records.
Speaking at the press conference, the President of CSGGG, Chief Dominic Ogakwu, questioned how the Deputy Speaker obtained his NYSC discharge certificate and Call to Bar certificate simultaneously.
“Gentlemen of the Press, we are gathered here today to demand the truth, and to test the constitutional provision that all authorities and persons in our country are indeed held to the same scrutiny,” Ogakwu said.
The coalition cited an oath Kalu swore upon admission to the Nigerian Law School in 2010, declaring that he would not engage in any employment or serve in the NYSC during his course of study.
“From available records, he swore as follows: ‘I, Mr. Benjamin Okezie Osisiogu of 76 Factory Road, Umuahia, Abia State hereby declare on my honour that I am not and will not be engaged in any employment nor serve in the National Youth Service Corps during the period of my course at the Nigerian Law School,'” Ogakwu recited.
Despite this declaration, the coalition noted that Kalu possesses an NYSC discharge certificate numbered A001773067, allegedly issued on March 8, 2011.
“How did he come by his NYSC Discharge Certificate allegedly issued on March 8, 2011 and at the same time of March 9, 2010 to March 8, 2011 when he was supposedly at the Law School?” Ogakwu asked.
He argued that only two scenarios were possible: either Kalu did not participate fully in the NYSC service year, or he never attended the Nigerian Law School to qualify him for enrolment into the Bar.
“We do not impute any crime, yet, rather we demand clarity,” Ogakwu told journalists, adding that the matter should be a source of great worry to all patriotic Nigerians.
The coalition also drew attention to what it described as multiple name changes, noting that Kalu was admitted to the Law School as Benjamin Okezie Osisiogu before effecting changes.
“It is a trite matter that no individual is bigger or more important than the laws of our country, especially the Constitution,” Ogakwu said.
He cited instances where ministers had been forced to resign, judges sanctioned, and professors dismissed over falsification of records.
“So, it doesn’t matter whether anybody is the No. 6 Citizen of the Federal Republic,” he added.
The coalition presented four demands, including that Kalu should step aside pending the determination of the allegations.
“Let Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu step aside pending the determination of these allegations. He occupies too grave an office for any taint to be associated with the occupant,” Ogakwu stated.
They also demanded that the NYSC come clean on Kalu’s service year record and clarify whether he actually participated in the compulsory national service.
The Nigerian Law School and Council of Legal Education were urged to avail the public of records showing Kalu’s full participation in over 70 per cent of activities as required by its rules.
“If in breach of the oath, his Call to Bar Certificate should be withdrawn forthwith as it falls short of the high demands of probity, truthfulness and fidelity to the law,” Ogakwu said.
The coalition further demanded that Kalu demonstrate moral high ground by showing proof that he did not combine both programmes simultaneously.
Ogakwu announced a 72-hour ultimatum to the relevant authorities, threatening to occupy the National Assembly if no action was taken.
“We are committed to following this to the latter and will occupy the NASS if after 72 hours the various authorities do not act,” he warned.
In a swift response, the Office of the Deputy Speaker issued a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, dismissing the allegations as unproven claims.
“The Office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR has taken note of a press conference organised by a coalition led by the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance (CSGGG),” the statement read.
Nwabughiogu stated that ordinarily, the office would not dignify speculative claims with an official response.
“However, in the interest of public clarity and to prevent deliberate misinformation from gaining traction, it has become necessary to address the issues raised,” he said.
The statement emphasised that the allegations being circulated remain unproven claims arising from a petition that has neither been substantiated nor determined by any competent authority.
“The Deputy Speaker remains a duly qualified legal practitioner and a respected public servant whose professional credentials have been examined at multiple stages of his career,” the statement read.
It noted that Kalu was called to the Nigerian Bar in September 2011 and subsequently enrolled as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
This process, the statement explained, is governed by the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Law School with rigorous verification of academic and statutory requirements.
“At no time since his call to the Bar has any competent legal authority invalidated his qualification or professional status,” the statement added.
Addressing the petition referenced by the coalition, the office noted that recent media reports indicate the controversy stems from a petition written by a former official of the Nigerian Bar Association.
The petition requested that the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) and the NYSC examine aspects of the Deputy Speaker’s academic and service records.
“The mere existence of a petition does not amount to proof of wrongdoing, and it would be deeply irresponsible to attempt to convict any individual in the court of public opinion,” Nwabughiogu said.
He described the coalition’s attempt to present speculation as established fact as premature, misleading, and inconsistent with principles of fairness.
The statement further noted that several independent voices and civic organisations have already cautioned against the politicisation of the matter.
These groups, according to the statement, described the ongoing narrative as part of a coordinated smear campaign aimed at tarnishing the reputation of a rising national figure.
“A youth organisation recently stated that no verified official report exists indicting the Deputy Speaker and noted that previous verification exercises confirmed the validity of his NYSC certificate,” the statement read.
For emphasis, the Deputy Speaker’s office declared that Kalu has never forged any credentials or falsified any official record.
It recalled that similar accusations were raised during previous political contests in 2023 and were dismissed in legal proceedings where he categorically affirmed the authenticity of his credentials.
“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.
The office outlined four key points for the public to note regarding the matter.
First, it affirmed respect for due process, stating that Kalu has absolute confidence in the integrity of Nigerian institutions.
“Should any competent authority request clarification or documentation, he will fully cooperate as a law-abiding citizen,” the statement said.
Second, it reminded Nigerians of the presumption of innocence, emphasising that allegations must be investigated by appropriate authorities.
“Nigeria remains a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law. Allegations must be investigated by appropriate authorities rather than adjudicated through press conferences and media trials,” the statement read.
Third, the office rejected what it termed political blackmail, dismissing attempts by certain groups to issue ultimatums and threats of protests.
Such actions, the statement argued, were meant to coerce public institutions or force political outcomes.
Fourth, it reaffirmed Kalu’s commitment to national service, noting that he remains fully focused on his responsibilities as Deputy Speaker.
These responsibilities include legislative reforms, national development, and strengthening democratic institutions, according to the statement.
The office also addressed the specific demand for Kalu to step aside, warning that such calls based solely on unverified claims set a dangerous precedent.
This precedent could encourage politically motivated petitions against public officials as a tool of destabilisation, the statement argued.
“Public office holders must remain accountable, but accountability must operate within the framework of law, evidence, and due process: not media sensationalism,” Nwabughiogu said.
The Deputy Speaker therefore urged members of the public to disregard attempts to politicise the issue.
He called on Nigerians to allow relevant statutory bodies, if they deem it necessary, to examine any petition placed before them and do their job.
“Nigeria’s democracy is strengthened not by speculation or character assassination, but by adherence to truth, fairness, and institutional processes,” the statement concluded.
It affirmed that Kalu would continue to discharge his duties with integrity, transparency, and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian people.
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