Clarification on Claims by Civil Society Groups Regarding the Deputy Speaker’s NYSC, Law School Records

Clarification on Claims by Civil Society Groups Regarding the Deputy Speaker’s NYSC, Law School Records

The Office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has taken note of a press conference organised by a coalition led by the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance (CSGGG), where concerns were raised about the Deputy Speaker’s participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and his attendance at the Nigerian Law School.

While the Office generally refrains from responding to speculative claims, it considers it important to provide clarification in order to avoid misunderstanding and the spread of inaccurate information.

The allegations being circulated are based on a petition that has not been established or determined by any competent authority. The Deputy Speaker remains a qualified legal practitioner whose professional credentials have been verified at different stages of his career.

For context, the Deputy Speaker was called to the Bar in September 2011 and subsequently enrolled as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. This process is overseen by the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Law School, both of which maintain rigorous procedures for verifying academic and statutory requirements.

At no point since his call to the Bar has any competent authority invalidated his qualification or professional status.

Recent media reports suggest that the issue arose from a petition written by a former official of the Nigerian Bar Association requesting that the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) and the National Youth Service Corps review aspects of the Deputy Speaker’s academic and service records.

It is important to note that the submission of a petition does not in itself establish wrongdoing. Matters raised through such channels are typically reviewed by the appropriate authorities before any conclusions are reached.

The Office believes that presenting unverified claims as established facts may create unnecessary confusion and does not align with the principles of fairness and due process that guide democratic institutions.

The Deputy Speaker maintains confidence in the integrity of Nigerian institutions and remains willing to cooperate with any relevant authority should clarification or documentation be required.

The Office also reiterates the importance of the following principles:

Respect for Due Process: Matters of this nature are best addressed through the appropriate legal and institutional processes.

Presumption of Innocence: Allegations should be examined by competent authorities before conclusions are drawn.

Responsible Public Discourse: Public commentary on ongoing issues should be guided by verified information and respect for institutional procedures.

Continued Public Service: The Deputy Speaker remains focused on his responsibilities in the House of Representatives, including legislative work aimed at national development and strengthening democratic institutions.

The Office encourages members of the public to allow the appropriate statutory bodies to review any petitions before forming conclusions. Nigeria’s democracy is strengthened when issues are handled through established institutions and due process.

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu remains committed to carrying out his duties with transparency and dedication to the Nigerian people.