A coalition of Civil Society Organisations CSOs has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the National Assembly, threatening to occupy it in the wake of issues regarding the Service records of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
The coalition reminded the public of past instances where high-ranking ministers and judges were removed for similar indiscretions, insisting that no individual is above the 1999 Constitution.
“We are duty-bound to demand the highest probity from those we call our leaders. To expect less is to set a dangerous example for the youths of this country. We will occupy the National Assembly if, after 72 hours, the various authorities do not act”, they demanded.
Led by the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance CSGGG, the coalition threatened to “occupy” the National Assembly NASS if the deputy speaker fails to step down or provide clarity on how he allegedly completed the National Youth Service Corps NYSC programme and the Nigerian Law School simultaneously
Addressing a news conference on Friday in Abuja, President of CSGGG, Chief Dominic Ogakwu, detailed what he described as a “statutorily impossible” feat.
A prominent Igbo youth organization, Youth Renaissance for Good Governance, has however dismissed allegations against the Kalu, regarding his National Youth Service Corps NYSC certificate and Nigerian Law School records.
In a statement signed by its National President, Dr. Ebekuo Madu, and National Secretary, Paul Nwachukwu, the group said a verification exercise carried out by the NYSC in 2023 had already addressed the issue surrounding Kalu’s certificate. According to the group, a senior official of the scheme who participated in the process confirmed that the certificate was validly issued.
The group added that the NYSC had provided a verification letter confirming that Kalu obtained his certificate in line with the provisions of the NYSC Act.
“We wish to place before the Nigerian public and all well-meaning citizens of the South-East the irrefutable fact that there exists no credible, official, or verified report indicting the Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu,” the statement said.
However, the CSGGG on ita part said records indicate that Kalu, then known as Benjamin Okezie Osisiogu, was enrolled in the Nigerian Law School between 2010 and 2011.
During this period, he allegedly swore an oath on April 23, 2010, affirming that he would not engage in any employment or participate in the NYSC during his course of study.
However, the coalition pointed to NYSC Discharge Certificate No. A001773067, purportedly issued to Kalu on March 8, 2011, covering a service year that ran concurrently with his legal training.
“Only one of two scenarios can apply. Either he did not participate fully in the NYSC service year, or he never attended the Nigerian Law School to qualify for the Bar. We demand clarity and accountability from Kalu himself, the NYSC, and the Council of Legal Education”, said Ogakwu.
The coalition expressed worry over the “silence” of relevant authorities and issued a series of demands to restore the integrity of the office of the Deputy Speaker.
They insisted that Kalu must step aside pending the determination of these allegations to protect the image of the No. 6 citizen’s office.
Furthermore, the coalition called on NYSC to “come clean” on Kalu’s service record and explain the authenticity of the discharge certificate in his possession.
In addition to the NYSC records, the groups urged the “Council of Legal Education to provide proof of Kalu’s 70% attendance record during his time at the Law School”.
The CSOs argued that if he is found in breach of his oath, his Call to Bar certificate should be withdrawn immediately.
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