Fresh controversy has emerged around the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu as a new petition raises serious questions. Click the link below to read the full story.
Fresh pressure appears to be mounting on the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, as a coalition of civil society actors has taken the controversy surrounding his alleged certificate discrepancies to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
The development comes just days after the coalition issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding that Kalu step aside from office pending investigations, a matter that has already sparked nationwide debate about transparency and accountability in public office.
According to the coalition, the petition submitted to the disciplinary body was intended to formally trigger a review of the Deputy Speaker’s legal credentials, particularly issues allegedly relating to his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate and records from the Nigerian Law School.
The petition, however, was reportedly rejected temporarily on procedural grounds, with the committee advising the petitioners to comply with specific filing requirements before it can be formally received.
Addressing journalists after the attempted submission, representatives of the coalition insisted that they were not making direct accusations of wrongdoing but were demanding clarity and transparency over what they described as discrepancies in the Deputy Speaker’s records.
“You will agree with me that this matter has become an issue of public interest. Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu should come out clean regarding his certification,” a spokesperson of the group said.
The coalition further explained that the purpose of the petition was not to speculate but to allow competent legal authorities to examine the matter through due process.
“We are not imputing any sin on his status as a lawyer or as a ranking member of the National Assembly. What we want is clarity,” the spokesperson added.
The coalition insisted that the allegations had already generated significant public attention and that the only way to resolve the controversy is through independent verification of the relevant records.
Petition Escalates 72-Hour Ultimatum Saga
The latest move appears to escalate a controversy that began when civil society organisations issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding that Kalu step aside while investigations are conducted.
The groups had argued that unresolved questions surrounding the Deputy Speaker’s NYSC service year and Nigerian Law School attendance could undermine public confidence in leadership if not clarified.
According to the coalition, the issue centers on alleged contradictions between Kalu’s NYSC discharge certificate and his Law School training timeline, raising questions about whether both programmes were undertaken simultaneously.
Under Nigerian regulations, the NYSC programme requires a continuous one-year national service, while the Nigerian Law School requires mandatory physical participation in academic activities before a student can qualify for call to the Bar.
The coalition said the situation leaves two possible scenarios requiring explanation.
According to them, either the Deputy Speaker did not fully participate in the NYSC programme, or there may be questions surrounding the timeline of his Law School attendance.
These concerns, they argued, justify a transparent clarification from relevant institutions, including:
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
The Nigerian Law School
The Council of Legal Education
The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC)
Protest Threat and Demand for Proof
The coalition also warned that the issue will not be swept under the carpet, insisting that they are prepared to pursue all legal and civic channels available to ensure that due process is followed.
They said the only action that could immediately calm the growing controversy would be for the Deputy Speaker to publicly release documentary proof of his NYSC and Nigerian Law School certifications.
“If today Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu comes out and produces the certificates from NYSC and the Nigerian Law School, that will clear this issue,” the coalition said.
They further emphasized that the matter touches on Nigeria’s leadership recruitment process and the integrity of public institutions.
“The National Assembly should not tolerate situations where questions exist regarding the credentials of those occupying sensitive offices,” the spokesperson added.
All Facts Newspaper Earlier Reported the Controversy
The controversy had earlier been highlighted by All Facts Newspaper, which reported that a coalition of civil society groups had issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding that the Deputy Speaker step aside pending investigations into the allegations.
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