By Gloria Ikibah
The Office of the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has rejected allegations raised by a coalition of civil society organisations regarding his participation in the National Youth Service Corps and his attendance at the Nigerian Law School.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the office said it had taken note of a press conference organised by a coalition led by the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance, where allegations were raised about the Deputy Speaker’s academic and service records.
“Ordinarily, the Office would not dignify speculative claims and politically coloured narratives 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,” the statement said.
The statement maintained that the claims being circulated were unproven and stemmed from a petition that had not been substantiated or determined by any competent authority. It stressed that the Deputy Speaker remains a qualified legal practitioner whose professional credentials have been scrutinised at several points in his career.
“First and foremost, it must be clearly stated that the allegations being circulated remain unproven claims arising from a petition that has neither been substantiated nor determined by any competent authority,” the statement noted.
It also recalled that Kalu was called to the Nigerian Bar in September 2011 and subsequently enrolled as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of Nigeria after fulfilling the statutory requirements overseen 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 added.
The controversy, according to the Deputy Speaker’s office, originated from a petition written by a former official of the Nigerian Bar Association, asking the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee and the NYSC to examine aspects of Kalu’s 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,” the statement added.
It criticised the coalition for presenting speculation as established fact, describing such claims as premature and misleading, and inconsistent with the principles of fairness and due process.
The statement further noted that some civic organisations had already warned against politicising the matter, describing the controversy as part of what they believed to be a coordinated attempt to damage the reputation of the Deputy Speaker.
“For emphasis, the Deputy Speaker has never forged any credentials or falsified any official record,” the statement said, adding that similar allegations surfaced during political contests in 2023 but were dismissed during legal proceedings where he affirmed the authenticity of his credentials.
The office also expressed concern that the issue was being revived while the Deputy Speaker was actively engaged in legislative duties.
It emphasised the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence, stating that any concerns should be handled by relevant authorities rather than through media campaigns.
“Respect for Due Process: The Deputy Speaker 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.
“Presumption of Innocence: 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 further said.
The office also rejected what it described as attempts to use
protests or public pressure to force political outcomes.
“Rejection of Political Blackmail: The Office rejects the attempt by certain groups to issue ultimatums and threats of protests as a means of coercing public institutions or forcing political outcomes,” it stated.
Reaffirming the Deputy Speaker’s focus on governance, the statement said he remains committed to legislative reforms and national development.
“Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu remains fully committed to his responsibilities as Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian Parliament, focusing on legislative reforms, national development, and strengthening democratic institutions,” it added.
The office urged the public to disregard attempts to politicise the issue and allow relevant statutory bodies to examine any petitions placed before them.
“Nigeria’s democracy is strengthened not by speculation or character assassination, but by adherence to truth, fairness and institutional processes,” the statement concluded.