The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has called for an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into allegations against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, over questions surrounding his enrolment as a legal practitioner and participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
In a press release signed by its President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Okey Nwaoru, the group said it was reacting to a petition reportedly filed by Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins, a former First Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association, before the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) and the National Youth Service Corps.
The petition allegedly questions the validity of Kalu’s enrolment as a legal practitioner and the authenticity of his participation in the NYSC scheme.
Describing the allegations as “grave,” COSEYL said they touch on the integrity of key national institutions, including the Nigerian Law School, the Council of Legal Education and the NYSC.
“The integrity of our institutions is bigger than any individual, no matter how highly placed. Public confidence in the rule of law, professional standards and the credibility of the NYSC scheme must be protected at all costs,” the group stated.
COSEYL urged the LPDC to conduct an independent investigation into the issues raised in the petition and called on the NYSC authorities to carry out a thorough probe to ascertain the authenticity of all relevant records.
It also demanded that the findings of the investigations be made public.
Given the high office occupied by the Deputy Speaker, the group advised that Kalu should step aside pending the outcome of the investigations, stressing that such a move would not amount to a declaration of guilt but would ensure that the process is free from any perception of interference.
“In advanced democracies, public officials temporarily relinquish their offices when serious allegations arise in order to preserve the sanctity of the institutions they serve. Nigeria should not be an exception,” the statement added.
COSEYL, however, warned that it would mobilise a “one million man protest” at the National Assembly and the Presidential Villa if there is any attempt to frustrate or suppress a fair investigation or if the Deputy Speaker fails to resign.
The group maintained that any civic action it undertakes would be lawful and peaceful, insisting that “no individual is greater than the law.”
