A coalition of civil society groups, Civil Society Groups of Good Governance (CSGGG), has given Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, a 72-hour ultimatum to step aside pending investigations into alleged perjury, false representation, and contradictions between his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Nigerian Bar certificates.
The allegations claim Kalu’s NYSC discharge certificate, dated March 8, 2011, contradicts his attendance at the Nigerian Law School during the same period, raising questions about how he obtained the certificate while supposedly at law school.
The CSGGG demands clarity and accountability from Kalu, NYSC, and the Nigerian Law School, citing potential violations of the NYSC Act and the Legal Practitioners Act. If no action is taken within 72 hours, they threaten to occupy the National Assembly.
Kalu’s credentials have faced scrutiny, with some supporting him and others calling for investigation. The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) demands a probe, while Youth Renaissance for Good Governance dismisses allegations
as false, citing a 2023 NYSC verification exercise confirming Kalu’s certificate.
The controversy stems from a petition by former Nigerian Bar Association Vice President, John Aikpokpo-Martins, questioning Kalu’s professional enrollment and NYSC compliance. The outcome remains uncertain as Kalu’s office has not issued a formal rebuttal.
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