The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has firmly denied allegations that he forged his academic credentials, describing the claims as politically motivated and lacking any credible evidence.
Kalu’s response followed accusations raised by a coalition of civil society groups that questioned aspects of his participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme and his attendance at the Nigerian Law School.
In a statement issued on Friday through his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Deputy Speaker dismissed the claims as unsubstantiated and insisted that his academic and professional credentials remain valid and duly verified.
The coalition, operating under the banner of Civil Society Groups of Good Governance, had earlier threatened to stage a protest at the National Assembly within 72 hours if the allegations were not addressed by relevant authorities.
However, Kalu’s office maintained that the accusations were based on a petition that had not been proven or verified by any competent authority.
In the statement, the Deputy Speaker’s office categorically denied any wrongdoing, stressing that Kalu has never forged any certificate or falsified official records at any point in his career.
“For emphasis, the Deputy Speaker has never forged any credentials or falsified any official record,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the allegations circulating in the public space are simply unverified claims arising from a petition that has yet to be substantiated by any legal or professional authority.
The office urged the public to treat the allegations with caution and avoid drawing conclusions based solely on unverified claims.
Kalu’s office also highlighted his professional journey in the legal field, noting that his credentials had passed through several layers of verification over the years.
The statement recalled that the Deputy Speaker was called to the Nigerian Bar in September 2011, following the completion of the required academic and professional training.
The process, it explained, involved strict scrutiny by the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Law School, institutions responsible for regulating legal education and professional qualification in Nigeria.
“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,” the statement read.
According to the Deputy Speaker’s office, this process involves rigorous verification of academic records and statutory requirements before a candidate can be admitted to practice law in Nigeria.
The statement further emphasised that since his call to the bar, no competent authority has questioned or invalidated his professional qualifications.
“At no time since his call to the Bar has any competent legal authority invalidated his qualification or professional status,” the statement added.
The controversy surrounding Kalu’s credentials reportedly began after a petition was submitted by a former official of the Nigerian Bar Association.
The petition reportedly requested that the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee and the NYSC examine aspects of the Deputy Speaker’s academic background and national service record.
However, Kalu’s office stressed that the existence of a petition alone should not be interpreted as proof of misconduct.
“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 said.
The Deputy Speaker’s office also warned against the growing trend of using petitions and media narratives to tarnish reputations before investigations are concluded.
In its response, the Deputy Speaker’s office suggested that the allegations may be part of a broader attempt to damage Kalu’s reputation and political standing.
The statement described the accusations as elements of a coordinated smear campaign aimed at discrediting what it called a “rising national figure.”
“Several independent voices and civic organisations have already cautioned against the politicisation of the matter, describing the ongoing narrative as part of a coordinated smear campaign aimed at tarnishing the reputation of a rising national figure,” the statement said.
The office also noted that a youth organisation had previously defended Kalu, stating that there was no verified official report indicting him.
It added that earlier verification exercises reportedly confirmed the authenticity of his NYSC discharge certificate.
Despite the Deputy Speaker’s denial, the coalition of civil society groups has continued to demand further clarification regarding his academic and service records.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the leader of the coalition, Chief Dominic Ogakwu, argued that available records raised questions about the timeline of Kalu’s legal education and national service.
According to Ogakwu, documents suggest that the lawmaker, who was previously known as Benjamin Okezie Osisiogu, attended the Nigerian Law School between 2010 and 2011.
The coalition also claimed that Kalu allegedly signed an oath in April 2010 stating that he would not participate in the NYSC programme or undertake employment during his legal training.
However, the group alleged that an NYSC discharge certificate was issued to him in March 2011 covering a service year that appeared to overlap with his time at the Nigerian 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,” Ogakwu said.
The group insisted that the situation raises serious questions that must be addressed by relevant authorities.
The coalition has called on several institutions to clarify the issues raised in the petition.
Among the agencies mentioned are the National Youth Service Corps and the Council of Legal Education.
The group urged the NYSC to confirm the authenticity of the discharge certificate allegedly issued to the Deputy Speaker.
Similarly, it asked the Council of Legal Education to provide official records confirming Kalu’s attendance and participation at the Nigerian Law School.
According to the coalition, such clarification is necessary to protect the integrity of public institutions and ensure transparency in public office.
The civil society groups also called on Kalu to step aside temporarily while investigations are carried out.
They argued that doing so would help protect the credibility of the office of the Deputy Speaker and allow a transparent investigation to take place.
In response to these demands, Kalu’s office reiterated his willingness to cooperate with any legitimate investigation conducted by relevant authorities.
The statement said the Deputy Speaker has full confidence in the integrity of Nigerian institutions and would comply with any lawful request for clarification.
“The Deputy Speaker 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 said.
At the same time, the office criticised attempts by some groups to pressure public institutions through protests and media campaigns.
It warned that issuing ultimatums or threats of demonstrations could undermine due process and the independence of investigative bodies.
“The Office rejects the attempt by certain groups to issue ultimatums and threats of protests as a means of coercing public institutions or forcing political outcomes,” the statement added.
Despite the ongoing controversy, the Deputy Speaker’s office affirmed that Kalu will continue to carry out his legislative responsibilities in the House of Representatives.
The statement emphasised that the lawmaker remains committed to upholding the rule of law and respecting due process.
It also urged members of the public to allow relevant institutions to examine any petitions thoroughly and independently before drawing conclusions.
As the debate continues, attention is expected to remain on the response of the NYSC, the Council of Legal Education, and other relevant bodies that may be called upon to clarify the issues raised in the petition.
For now, the Deputy Speaker maintains that the allegations are baseless and politically motivated, while the coalition of civil society groups insists that a full investigation is necessary to resolve the matter.
