Civil Groups Vow to Storm Parliament, Give Deputy Speaker 72-Hour Deadline to Act Amid Claims of False Testimony

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations has given the National Assembly a 72-hour ultimatum, warning that they will occupy the assembly if their demands are not met regarding the service records of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

n

The coalition, citing past instances where high-ranking ministers and judges were removed for similar indiscretions, emphasizes that no individual is above the 1999 Constitution, and they are duty-bound to demand the highest probity from leaders.

n

The coalition, led by the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance, is threatening to occupy the National Assembly if Kalu fails to step down or provide clarity on how he allegedly completed the National Youth Service Corps programme and the Nigerian Law School simultaneously.

n

President of the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance, Chief Dominic Ogakwu, addressed a news conference on Friday in Abuja, detailing what he described as a “statutorily impossible” feat.

n

A prominent Igbo youth organization, Youth Renaissance for Good Governance, has dismissed allegations against Kalu regarding his National Youth Service Corps certificate and Nigerian Law School records, citing a verification exercise carried out by the NYSC in 2023.

n

The organization, in a statement signed by its National President, Dr. Ebekuo Madu, and National Secretary, Paul Nwachukwu, claims that a senior official of the NYSC confirmed that Kalu’s certificate was validly issued, and the NYSC provided a verification letter confirming that Kalu obtained his certificate in line with the provisions of the NYSC Act.

n

The group stated that there exists no credible, official, or verified report indicting the Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, presenting this as an irrefutable fact to the Nigerian public and citizens of the South-East.

n

However, the CSGGG claims that records indicate Kalu, then known as Benjamin Okezie Osisiogu, was enrolled in the Nigerian Law School between 2010 and 2011, during which 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.

n

The coalition points 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, highlighting a potential discrepancy.

n

According to the coalition, only two scenarios can apply: either Kalu did not participate fully in the NYSC service year, or he never attended the Nigerian Law School to qualify for the Bar, and they demand clarity and accountability from Kalu, the NYSC, and the Council of Legal Education.

n

The coalition expressed concern over the silence of relevant authorities and issued a series of demands to restore the integrity of the office of the Deputy Speaker, insisting that Kalu must step aside pending the determination of these allegations.

n

The coalition called on the NYSC to provide proof of the authenticity of Kalu’s discharge certificate and explain his service record, and they also urged the Council of Legal Education to provide proof of Kalu’s 70% attendance record during his time at the Law School.

n

If Kalu is found in breach of his oath, the CSOs argue that his Call to Bar certificate should be withdrawn immediately, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency.