Fresh controversy erupts as a coalition issues a 72-hour ultimatum over Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu’s credentials. Read the full report via the link below.
A coalition of civil society organisations has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, demanding that he step aside from office pending investigations into alleged discrepancies surrounding his academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) records.
The coalition, operating under the umbrella of the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance (CSGGG), made the demand during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, where it questioned the propriety of Kalu continuing to hold one of the highest offices in Nigeria’s legislative arm while the allegations remain unresolved.
According to the group, the issue revolves around what it described as contradictions between Kalu’s NYSC discharge certificate and his Nigerian Law School records, raising concerns about whether both programmes were undertaken simultaneously in violation of existing regulations.
Addressing journalists, Chief Dominic Ogakwu, President of the CSGGG and spokesperson of the coalition, said the organisation’s intervention is based on the principle that public officials must be held to the highest standards of accountability and transparency.
Quoting provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Ogakwu emphasised that the constitution remains the supreme law binding on all individuals and authorities in Nigeria.
He stated that the coalition’s demand is not driven by partisan interests but by the need to test the integrity of Nigeria’s constitutional framework and ensure that public officials are subject to the same scrutiny as ordinary citizens.
“Our interest in this matter is not political. We are concerned that an issue that has been circulating publicly has not received the necessary clarification from relevant authorities,” Ogakwu said.
The coalition alleged that records suggest Kalu may have been enrolled at the Nigerian Law School while also participating in the compulsory one-year NYSC programme, which they claim would contradict regulations governing both institutions.
Under Section 2(3) of the NYSC Act, corps members are required to undertake a continuous one-year national service, a commitment that generally demands full participation.
At the same time, the group noted that the Nigerian Law School maintains strict policies prohibiting students from engaging in other full-time programmes, including national service, during their academic training.
According to the coalition, Kalu was admitted to the Nigerian Law School under the name Benjamin Okezie Osisiogu before later adopting the name Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
They further alleged that he signed a declaration on April 23, 2010, affirming that he was not engaged in employment or participating in NYSC during his Law School programme.
However, the group claimed that his NYSC discharge certificate — reportedly dated March 8, 2011 — raises questions about whether both activities overlapped.
Demand For Clarification From Key Institutions
The coalition said the situation leaves two possible scenarios that require clarification.
According to the group, either Kalu did not fully participate in the NYSC programme, or he did not fully attend the Nigerian Law School programme required for his call to the Nigerian Bar.
On that basis, the coalition demanded explanations not only from Kalu but also from several institutions, including:
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
The Nigerian Law School
The Council of Legal Education
The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC)
They insisted that the public deserves clear answers regarding the authenticity and timeline of the Deputy Speaker’s records.
Threat Of National Assembly Protest
The group warned that if the relevant authorities fail to respond within 72 hours, civil society organisations would mobilise mass action at the National Assembly to demand accountability.
Ogakwu stated that individuals occupying top public offices must remain above suspicion, especially in matters touching on legal qualifications and public trust.
“Nigeria is too important a country to have questions surrounding the credentials of those occupying sensitive offices,” he said.
While the coalition stressed that it was not directly accusing Kalu of committing a crime, it argued that the seriousness of the allegations requires a temporary step-aside to allow independent investigation.
They urged the Deputy Speaker to demonstrate leadership by providing documentary evidence clarifying the timeline of his NYSC service and Law School attendance.
As of the time of filing this report, Benjamin Kalu had not issued an official response to the ultimatum or the allegations raised by the coalition.
Observers say the development could potentially trigger legal scrutiny and political debate, particularly given the Deputy Speaker’s prominent position within Nigeria’s National Assembly.
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