Kalu Denies Allegations Over NYSC, Law School Records

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has rejected allegations by a coalition of civil society groups questioning his National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, participation and attendance at the Nigerian Law School.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu said the claims were based on a petition that had not been proven by any competent authority.

The statement said Kalu was called to the Nigerian Bar in September 2011 and enrolled as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of Nigeria after fulfilling the requirements set by the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Law School.

It added that no legal authority has invalidated his qualification since he was admitted to the bar.

The allegations follow reports that a former official of the Nigerian Bar Association had petitioned the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee and the NYSC to examine aspects of the deputy speaker’s academic and service records.

Kalu’s office said the petition did not amount to proof of wrongdoing and criticised attempts to treat the allegations as established facts.

The statement also rejected calls for the deputy speaker to step aside, saying accountability must follow due process and should not be driven by media speculation.

It said Kalu would cooperate with any lawful investigation while continuing to carry out his legislative duties.

PR Oduyemi Odumade