A group under the aegis of Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, the apex sociopolitical youth group in the geopolitical zone has called for the Immediate and Independent probe of Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu over allegations of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC and that of the Law School.

In a statement signed yesterday by the President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem and the Publicity Secretary, Comrade Okey Nwaoru, the coalition for immediate, transparent, and independent investigation by the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) into the issues raised in the petition.

According to the group, it has become imperative for NYSC to carry out a thorough probe to ascertain the authenticity of all relevant records as well as public release of findings upon conclusion of the investigations.

COSEYL has vowed that should there be any attempt to frustrate or suppress a fair investigation, it will be left with no option but to mobilize lawful and peaceful civic actions to demand accountability.

The statement read, “The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), the apex sociopolitical youth group in the South East geopolitical zone has taken serious note of the petition filed by Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins, former First Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), before the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) concerning allegations against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

“The allegations, which question the validity of the Deputy Speaker’s enrolment as a legal practitioner and the authenticity of his participation in the NYSC scheme, are grave and touch on the integrity of key national institutions, including the Nigerian Law School, the Council of Legal Education, and the NYSC.

“COSEYL states clearly that these allegations must not be ignored, politicised, or swept under the carpet. 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.

“We therefore call for immediate, transparent, and independent investigation by the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) into the issues raised in the petition.

“A thorough probe by the NYSC authorities to ascertain the authenticity of all relevant records.

The public release of findings upon conclusion of the investigations.

“Given the high office occupied by the Deputy Speaker, COSEYL strongly advises that he steps aside from his position pending the outcome of these investigations. This is not a declaration of guilt, but a necessary step to ensure that the process is free from any perception of interference or undue influence.”

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.

“We wish to emphasize that our position is guided solely by the need to uphold transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. This matter transcends partisan politics and regional considerations.”

However, should there be any attempt to frustrate or suppress a fair investigation, COSEYL will be left with no option but to mobilize lawful and peaceful civic actions to demand accountability.”

“We reaffirm that any such action will be conducted within the ambit of the law and democratic principles.

Nigeria’s institutions must be protected. No individual is greater than the law.”

Recall that a former First Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins, had written to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee, LPDC, and the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, requesting a review of records relating to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

In separate letters sent to the two bodies, Aikpokpo-Martins asked the authorities to examine issues he said arose from publicly available information concerning Kalu’s period at the Nigerian Law School and his NYSC service year.

According to the correspondence, the former NBA official urged the LPDC to determine whether all statutory requirements had been met before Kalu’s admission to the Roll of Legal Practitioners at the Supreme Court. (Vanguard)

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