CSOs Give Reps Deputy Speaker, Kalu, 72 Hours To Step Aside Over Alleged Certificate Discrepancies

 

A coalition of civil society organisations under the aegis of the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance (CSGGG) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, to step aside from office pending investigations into alleged discrepancies surrounding his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Nigerian Bar certificates.

The group made the demand during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, raising concerns over what it described as contradictions between Kalu’s NYSC service records and his attendance at the Nigerian Law School.

The coalition warned that if relevant authorities fail to address the matter within the stipulated period, it would mobilise members to stage a protest at the National Assembly.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, President of CSGGG, Chief Dominic Ogakwu, said the call was based on the constitutional principle of accountability and transparency in public office.

According to him, the group was seeking clarification from the Deputy Speaker and relevant institutions regarding the circumstances under which Kalu allegedly obtained both his NYSC discharge certificate and his Nigerian Bar qualification within overlapping periods.

He cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), stressing that its supremacy demands that all public officials be held accountable under the law.

“We are not here to make accusations but to demand clarity. The issues raised have remained unanswered for some time, and it is important for the integrity of public institutions that the matter is addressed,” Ogakwu said.

The coalition noted that under the NYSC Act, corps members are required to undertake a continuous one-year national service, raising questions about how Kalu could have simultaneously fulfilled the requirements of the NYSC programme while undergoing full-time training at the Nigerian Law School.

According to the group, records indicate that Kalu obtained an NYSC discharge certificate dated March 8, 2011, during a period he was allegedly enrolled at the Nigerian Law School.

The CSOs also alleged that Kalu had earlier declared to the Nigerian Law School that he would not engage in employment or participate in the NYSC during his period of study, as required by the institution’s rules.

The coalition therefore called on the NYSC, the Nigerian Law School, the Council of Legal Education, and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, LPDC, to make public their records relating to Kalu’s participation in both programmes.

It further urged the Deputy Speaker to demonstrate transparency by providing documents clarifying the alleged discrepancies.

“Given the sensitive nature of the office he occupies, it is only appropriate for him to step aside pending clarification of these issues,” the group said.

The coalition also urged the NYSC to clarify whether Kalu indeed completed the mandatory national service and under what circumstances the discharge certificate was issued.

Similarly, it called on the Nigerian Law School and the Council of Legal Education to release records showing whether the Deputy Speaker fulfilled the required academic participation needed for his Call to Bar.

The group maintained that addressing the matter promptly would help safeguard the credibility of Nigeria’s public institutions and legal profession.