Deputy Speaker Kalu Faces 72-Hour Ultimatum Over NYSC, Law School Records

Deputy Speaker Kalu Faces 72-Hour Ultimatum Over NYSC, Law School Records

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has been given a 72-hour ultimatum to step aside over allegations of perjury, false representation and discrepancies between his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Nigerian Law School records.

The ultimatum was issued by a coalition of civil society organisations led by the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.

The coalition said the call was necessary to allow for a transparent investigation into the claims while protecting the integrity of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, where Kalu currently serves as the second-highest ranking lawmaker.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the group’s president, Dominic Ogakwu, said the demand was rooted in constitutional provisions that require accountability from all public officials.

He cited Chapter 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which establishes the supremacy of the constitution and mandates compliance by all authorities and citizens.

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According to Ogakwu, the coalition is seeking clarification over how Kalu allegedly obtained both an NYSC discharge certificate and a Nigerian Law School certificate during overlapping periods, which they claim may violate the rules guiding both institutions.

The group questioned how Kalu could have sworn the mandatory oath under the National Youth Service Corps Act committing to a continuous one-year national service, while at the same time participating in full-time academic activities at the Nigerian Law School.

Civil society leaders further argued that the Nigerian Law School’s regulations prohibit students from engaging in other commitments such as the national service programme during the period of study.

According to the coalition, Kalu was admitted to the Nigerian Law School under the name Benjamin Okezie Osisiogu before subsequent name changes. They also claimed he declared on April 23, 2010, that he was not participating in NYSC while enrolled in the Law School programme.

However, the coalition said records indicate that Kalu holds an NYSC discharge certificate dated March 8, 2011, raising questions about whether he participated in both programmes simultaneously.

The civil society groups therefore demanded clarification from Kalu, the NYSC, the Nigerian Law School, the Council of Legal Education, and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.

They also urged the relevant authorities to make public all official records relating to Kalu’s service year and legal training.

According to the coalition, if the institutions fail to act within the 72-hour window, they will escalate the matter through mass protests and may occupy the National Assembly complex to demand accountability.

The groups insisted they were not making a definitive accusation of wrongdoing but were seeking transparency regarding the alleged discrepancies.

They argued that Kalu should step aside temporarily because the office of Deputy Speaker is “too important for any form of controversy that could undermine public confidence.”

As of the time of filing this report, Benjamin Kalu has not publicly responded to the allegations or the ultimatum issued by the civil society coalition.

Political observers note that controversies over academic and service credentials have previously triggered major legal battles and electoral disputes in Nigeria, making the issue particularly sensitive for high-ranking public officials.

Deputy Speaker Kalu Faces 72-Hour Ultimatum Over NYSC, Law School Records