A coalition of Civil Society Organisations led by the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance, CSGGG has called for a full investigation into the academic and national service records of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, over allegations of perjury and false representation.
Addressing a world press conference in Abuja on Friday, the coalition urged the Deputy Speaker to step aside from office pending the outcome of investigations into claims that he may have simultaneously participated in the Nigerian Law School programme and the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.
The group said the allegations raise serious questions about compliance with the rules governing both institutions and the integrity expected of public office holders.
According to the coalition, Mr. Kalu allegedly took an oath during his admission into the Nigerian Law School declaring that he would not engage in employment or participate in the National Youth Service Corps during the period of his studies.
However, the civil society organisations claimed records suggest he was issued an NYSC discharge certificate covering March 9, 2010 to March 8, 2011, a period they say overlaps with his time at the Law School.
The coalition argued that both programmes are full time commitments and questioned how the Deputy Speaker could have lawfully participated in both at the same time.
“We are not imputing any crime at this stage, but we demand clarity and accountability from the relevant authorities,” the group stated.
The organisations called on the NYSC to provide details of Mr. Kalu’s service year and confirm whether he fully participated in the compulsory programme.
They also urged the Nigerian Law School and the Council of Legal Education to release records showing his attendance and participation in the institution’s academic activities.
As part of their demands, the coalition asked Kalu to publicly present evidence clarifying the circumstances surrounding the alleged overlap and demonstrate that he did not violate the rules of either institution.
The group warned that if the authorities fail to address the matter within 72 hours, it would consider further actions, including peaceful protests at the National Assembly.
They emphasized that public officials must be held to the highest standards of transparency and accountability in order to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi, Abuja
