Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives, has denied allegations of certificate forgery levelled against him by a coalition led by the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance.
The coalition had alleged irregularities in the deputy speaker’s legal training and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) records.
At a press conference in Abuja, Dominic Ogakwu, leader of the coalition, claimed that it was “statutorily impossible” for Kalu to have completed the NYSC programme and the Nigerian Law School simultaneously.
Ogakwu alleged that records showed Kalu, then known as Benjamin Okezie Osisiogu, attended the Nigerian Law School between 2010 and 2011.
He said Kalu later claimed that an NYSC discharge certificate was issued to him in March 2011 for a service year that overlapped with his law school programme.
“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,” Ogakwu said.
The groups called on the NYSC to clarify the authenticity of the discharge certificate allegedly issued to Kalu and urged the Council of Legal Education to provide proof of his attendance record at the law school.
They further demanded that the deputy speaker step aside pending the outcome of any investigation.
‘UNPROVEN CLAIMS’
Reacting in a statement on Friday, Levinus Nwabughiogu, chief press secretary to the deputy speaker, dismissed the allegations, saying they were based on a petition that had neither been substantiated nor determined by any competent authority.
“It is important to recall that Kalu was called to the Nigerian Bar in September 2011 and subsequently enrolled as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of Nigeria — a process governed by the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Law School with rigorous verification of academic and statutory requirements,” the statement reads.
“At no time since his call to the Bar has any competent legal authority invalidated his qualification or professional status.
“The mere existence of a petition does not amount to proof of wrongdoing, and it would be deeply irresponsible to attempt to convict any individual in the court of public opinion.”
According to the statement, a youth organisation had earlier said no verified official report existed indicting the deputy speaker, noting that previous verification exercises confirmed the validity of his NYSC certificate.
Kalu also expressed his willingness to cooperate with any lawful investigation, saying he has “absolute confidence in the integrity of Nigerian institutions”.
“Should any competent authority request clarification or documentation, he will fully cooperate as a law-abiding citizen,” the statement added.
He also warned against attempts to pressure public institutions through media campaigns and protests, urging the public to allow relevant authorities to examine any petitions through due process.
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