Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu Denies Falsifying NYSC, Law School Records

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has denied claims that he forged his certificates.

This comes following allegations raised by a coalition of groups led by the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance.

The coalition had questioned details surrounding Ben Kalu’s legal education and his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) records.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, the coalition’s leader, Dominic Ogakwu, argued that it would have been impossible for Kalu to complete both the NYSC programme and the Nigerian Law School at the same time.

Ogakwu said records indicated that Kalu who was previously known as Benjamin Okezie Osisiogu attended the Nigerian Law School from 2010 to 2011.

He claimed that Kalu later presented an NYSC discharge certificate dated March 2011, covering a service period that allegedly overlapped with his time at the law school.

“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 coalition also asked the NYSC to confirm whether the discharge certificate linked to Kalu is genuine, while urging the Council of Legal Education to release official records showing his attendance at the Nigerian Law School.

The groups demanded that Kalu temporarily step down from his position until the matter is thoroughly investigated.

Responding to the allegations in a statement on Friday, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the deputy speaker’s chief press secretary, described the claims as baseless.

Nwabughiogu said the allegations were built on a petition that has not been proven 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.”

The statement further referenced an earlier position by a youth organisation which said there was no confirmed report accusing the deputy speaker, adding that past verification checks had validated his NYSC certificate.

Kalu, according to the statement, is ready to cooperate with any legitimate investigation and expressed confidence in the credibility of Nigerian institutions.

“Should any competent authority request clarification or documentation, he will fully cooperate as a law-abiding citizen,” the statement added.

The deputy speaker also cautioned against attempts to influence public institutions through protests or media pressure, urging that any petitions be handled through the proper legal process.

KanyiDaily recalls that Benjamin Kalu said President Bola Tinubu will receive massive support from the South-East in the 2027 presidential election.