A prominent Igbo youth organisation has come out strongly in defence of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, dismissing allegations surrounding his NYSC certificate and records at the Nigerian Law School as false and politically motivated.
The organisation, Youth Renaissance for Good Governance, stated that claims questioning the authenticity of Kalu’s credentials were misleading and unsupported by any credible investigation.
The group insisted that the controversy over the NYSC certificate lacked substance and should not be taken seriously by the public.
In a statement jointly signed by its National President, Dr. Ebekuo Madu, and National Secretary, Paul Nwachukwu, the group criticised the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders for circulating what it described as unverified allegations.
According to the youth body, the report released by the coalition contained several inconsistencies and failed to provide verifiable evidence.
The organisation therefore challenged the coalition to disclose the source of its information regarding the NYSC certificate, arguing that accusations of such magnitude must be backed by facts.
The statement stressed that there was no official report from any government agency that indicted Kalu.
Instead, the group maintained that the matter had previously been examined and clarified through appropriate institutional channels.
To reinforce its position, the organisation referred to a verification exercise reportedly conducted by the National Youth Service Corps in 2023.
According to the group, the agency confirmed that Kalu’s NYSC certificate was genuine and obtained in accordance with the provisions of the NYSC Act.
The youth group explained that the verification process was thorough and concluded with the issuance of an official letter confirming the authenticity of the certificate.
It added that the confirmation from the NYSC should have resolved any lingering doubts about the matter.
Beyond the issue of the NYSC certificate, the organisation also addressed claims relating to Kalu’s record at the Nigerian Law School.
It argued that attempts to question the deputy speaker’s professional background were unfounded and appeared designed to damage his reputation.
The group further dismissed suggestions that the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee might consider petitions linked to the allegations.
According to the statement, the committee deals with serious matters of professional misconduct and would not entertain petitions based on what it described as fabricated claims.
Observers within the organisation suggested that the controversy might be connected to political rivalries in Abia State.
The youth body alleged that certain political interests in the state were uncomfortable with Kalu’s rising profile in national politics.
Although the deputy speaker has not formally declared any intention to contest the governorship election in Abia State, the group claimed that speculation about a possible future ambition may have unsettled political opponents.
“Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has not even indicated that he intends to run for the governorship of Abia State,” the statement noted.
“Yet some desperate political actors appear alarmed by his growing influence and have resorted to sponsoring damaging narratives about his NYSC certificate.”
The organisation also argued that such attacks were not new in Nigerian politics.
It observed that attempts to discredit prominent figures from the South-East often intensify as election seasons approach.
According to the group, similar allegations have historically been deployed against influential politicians in the region as a strategy to weaken their public standing.
The youth organisation therefore urged members of the public to approach such claims with caution and verify facts before accepting them.
In addition, the group called on youth organisations across the South-East to prioritise issues that directly affect young people, including unemployment, economic development, and education, rather than participating in politically motivated disputes.
The organisation warned that spreading unverified allegations could undermine unity within the region and distract attention from pressing socio-economic challenges facing young people.
As part of its response, the group revealed that several youth associations within the South-East were already discussing plans to organise a solidarity rally in support of the deputy speaker.
According to the organisation, the proposed gathering would serve as a platform to reaffirm confidence in Kalu’s leadership and reject what supporters describe as baseless accusations.
The statement concluded by urging political actors to embrace constructive engagement rather than character attacks.
It emphasised that public debate should focus on policies, governance, and development rather than attempts to discredit individuals.
Meanwhile, efforts to obtain a response from the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders were unsuccessful as of the time this report was filed.
Similarly, the office of Benjamin Kalu had yet to release an official statement addressing the latest controversy.
However, the youth organisation maintained that the verification by the NYSC and the absence of any formal indictment remain clear indications that the allegations concerning the NYSC certificate lack merit.
Ireport247news
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