Two groups, the Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) and the Freelance Journalists Federation (FJF), have called for a thorough probe following the confirmation by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, never participated in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) while attending the Nigerian Law School.
The decision followed a petition submitted by lawyer John Aikpokpo Martins, who requested an investigation into Kalu’s participation in the NYSC and attendance at the Law School.
Reacting, the groups asked the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate those behind the petition.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday through their conveners, Solomon Semeka and Ibrahim Akawe Joseph, the groups suggested that the controversy could be linked to political rivalry ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Abia State.
“We wish to remind the public that a petition on this same matter was previously submitted to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee. After a review, the committee dismissed the petition for lacking merit,” the groups said.
“It has become increasingly clear that this campaign is driven by political interests ahead of the 2027 governorship contest in Abia State,” they stated.
The groups urged the DSS and the police to investigate the matter and take action against anyone found culpable.
“This is a deliberate attempt to defame a public official. We are submitting a petition to the relevant security agencies so that those responsible can be held accountable,” they added.
They also advised members of the public to verify information circulating online before sharing it.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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