Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Okezie Kalu has strongly denied allegations questioning his participation in the National Youth Service Corps and his attendance at the Nigerian Law School.
The allegations were circulated by the Civil Society Groups for Good Governance which claimed there were inconsistencies in Kalu’s records. However, the Deputy Speaker dismissed the claims as speculative and lacking credible evidence.
In a statement released on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu described the allegations as unverified claims originating from a petition that has not been investigated or confirmed by any competent authority. According to the statement, the petition cannot be taken as proof of wrongdoing until it has been properly examined by relevant statutory bos.
The statement further stressed that Kalu’s professional credentials have gone through several verification processes over the years. It noted that he was officially called to the Bar in September 2011 after completing the required legal training and procedures supervised by the Council of Legal Education.
Since then, he has been recognized as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and no legal authority has invalidated his qualification or professional status. The Deputy Speaker’s office also maintained that the petition reportedly submitted by a former official of the Nigerian Bar Association does not automatically elish any misconduct.
Nwabughiogu warned that spreading unverified allegations could encourage politically motivated smear campaigns against public officials. He reiterated that Kalu has never forged credentials or falsified any official record.
The statement concluded that the Deputy Speaker remains focused on his legislative responsibilities and is ready to cooperate with any competent authority should clarification or documentation be required.
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