TDA fresh legal storm has emerged around the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, following a petition that challenges the legality of his enrolment as a legal practitioner and questions the authenticity of his participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
According to a source, Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins, a former First Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has formally petitioned the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), alleging “fraudulent enrolment” on the Roll of Legal Practitioners maintained at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Core of the Petition
Overlap in Records: The petitioner claims Kalu was mobilised for NYSC from March 9, 2010 to March 8, 2011, while simultaneously attending the Nigerian Law School, Enugu Campus between April 23, 2010 and July 1, 2011.
Contravention of NYSC Act: Aikpokpo-Martins argues that dual participation violates Section 2(3) of the NYSC Act, which mandates continuous one-year service without interruption.
Law School Policy: The petition references strict rules of the Nigerian Law School and Council of Legal Education prohibiting students from serving in NYSC during their study period.
Documentary Evidence
- Affidavit: The petitioner cites a sworn declaration by Kalu (under the name Benjamin Okezie Osisiogu) on April 23, 2010, affirming he would not engage in employment or NYSC during his course of study.
- NYSC Certificate: Certificate No. A001773067, allegedly issued on March 8, 2011, indicates continuous service during the same timeframe.
- Attendance Requirement: The petition questions whether Kalu met the mandatory 70% attendance requirement at the Law School, a prerequisite for certification and Call to Bar.
Legal Framework Invoked
- NYSC Act: Sections 13(1)(b), 13(3), and 13(4) prescribe penalties for discontinuous service, aiding contraventions, or making false statements.
- Legal Practitioners Act: Section 11(1)(c) empowers the LPDC to discipline any lawyer found guilty of “infamous conduct in a professional respect.”
Petitioner’s Demands
- Withdrawal of the alleged NYSC Certificate.
- Possible prosecution if breaches are established.
- Subpoenas for official records from NYSC and the Nigerian Law School, including call-up letters, attendance registers, allowance records, and discharge documentation.
Reactions
- Senior Lawyers: Stress that the LPDC has jurisdiction to investigate allegations of professional misconduct, including fraudulent enrolment, but caution that the claims remain allegations pending inquiry.
- Petitioner’s Position: Aikpokpo-Martins insists the matter transcends politics, striking at the heart of professional ethics and institutional integrity.
“The exalted position he presently occupies must showcase the highest standards of integrity, transparency and adherence to the law,” he stated.
Current Status
As of press time, Hon. Kalu has not issued an official response.
Neither the NYSC nor the LPDC has publicly confirmed whether investigations have commenced.
This unfolding controversy places renewed focus on statutory compliance, professional standards, and the expectations of integrity for holders of high public office.
