Dominic Ogakwu, leader of the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance has claimed that it was statutorily impossible for Kalu to have completed his Na
Dominic Ogakwu, leader of the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance has claimed that it was statutorily impossible for Kalu to have completed his National Youth Service Corps (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.
Reacting in a statement, 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.
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.
