Deputy Speaker Denies NYSC, Law School Irregularities Claims, Insists Allegations Unproven
The Office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has dismissed allegations regarding his participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and attendance at the Nigerian Law School, describing the claims as unproven and politically coloured narratives.
In a statement issued by Kalu Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Office said it ordinarily would not respond to speculative accusations but chose to address the matter in order to prevent what it described as deliberate misinformation from gaining public traction.
According to the statement, the allegations were raised during a press conference organised by a coalition led by the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance (CSGGG), but the Office maintained that the claims remain unsubstantiated and have not been determined by any competent authority.
The Deputy Speaker’s Office stressed that Kalu remains a duly qualified legal practitioner whose professional credentials have undergone verification at various stages of his career.
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, a process overseen by the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Law School, which involves strict 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 said.
The Office explained that the current controversy stems 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-examine aspects of the Deputy Speaker’s academic and service records.
However, it emphasised that the existence of a petition does not constitute proof of wrongdoing and warned against attempts to convict 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 said.
The Office also alleged that the renewed claims appear to be part of a coordinated effort to tarnish the reputation of the Deputy Speaker, noting that similar accusations surfaced during the 2023 political contests but were dismissed during legal proceedings.
It further stated that no verified official report exists indicting Kalu, adding that previous verification exercises confirmed the validity of his NYSC certificate.
“For emphasis, the Deputy Speaker has never forged any credentials or falsified any official record,” the statement said.
Reaffirming its position, the Office highlighted several key points, including respect for due process, the presumption of innocence and rejection of what it described as attempts at political blackmail through threats of protests and ultimatums.
The statement added that Kalu remains focused on his legislative responsibilities and national development efforts as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
It warned that calls for the Deputy Speaker to step aside based on unverified allegations could set a dangerous precedent capable of encouraging politically motivated petitions against public officials.
The Office therefore urged the public to disregard attempts to politicise the issue and allow relevant statutory institutions to review any petitions placed before them 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.
