NYSC certificate: Igbo youths call for probe of NASS

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

Igbo youths, under the aegis of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), are calling on Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, to step aside pending investigation into allegations about his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Law School credentials.

COSEYL is threatening a massive protest at the National Assembly and Aso Rock if he doesn’t resign.

President General of the youth group, Goodluck Ibem, and Publicity Secretary, Okey Nwaoru, made the disclosure in a statement in Owerri, yesterday.

COSEYL’s statement reads in part: “We, the apex sociopolitical youth group in the South East geopolitical zone, have 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 enrollment 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.

“We also call for a thorough probe by the NYSC authorities, to ascertain the authenticity of all relevant records. We demand the 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 emphasise 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 mobilise 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.