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COSEYL’s allegations against Benjamin Kalu politically motivated, Igbo youth group insists

A prominent Igbo youth organisation, Youth Renaissance for Good Governance, has dismissed allegations levelled against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.

The group, which says it represents more than 30,000 Igbo youths across Nigeria and in the diaspora, challenged the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) to produce what it described as a “phantom report” allegedly indicting the Deputy Speaker over his National Youth Service Corps certificate and records at the Nigerian Law School.

In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its National President, Dr. Ebekuo Madu, and National Secretary, Paul Nwachukwu, the organisation said there was no credible or verified report linking Kalu to any wrongdoing.

“We wish to place before the Nigerian public and all well-meaning citizens of the South-East the irrefutable fact that there exists no credible, official or verified report indicting the Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu,” the statement read.

The group pointed to a verification exercise conducted in 2023 by the National Youth Service Corps, which it said had already resolved the issue.

According to the organisation, a senior NYSC official involved in the review confirmed that the Deputy Speaker’s service certificate was legitimately obtained in full compliance with the NYSC Act. It added that the scheme subsequently issued an official verification letter affirming the authenticity of Kalu’s certificate.

The youth group also dismissed claims that the matter could attract disciplinary action from the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), insisting that the body would not entertain what it described as politically driven petitions.

It noted that the committee’s mandate is too significant to be used as a platform for political campaigns against public officials.

The organisation further alleged that the renewed accusations were part of a calculated attempt by certain political interests, particularly within Abia State, to tarnish the Deputy Speaker’s reputation ahead of potential political contests.

Although Kalu has not formally declared any ambition to contest the Abia governorship, the group claimed that speculation surrounding such a move had unsettled political rivals who were allegedly sponsoring protests and negative campaigns against him.

“Rt. Hon. Kalu has not even declared any intention to run for the governorship of Abia State, yet these desperate forces are so terrified of his potential that they have resorted to hiring proxies to attack his reputation,” the statement added.

Kalu and President Bola Tinubu

The group described the situation as part of a recurring pattern in Nigerian politics where prominent political figures often face heightened scrutiny and allegations during election cycles.

It urged COSEYL and other youth organisations in the region to channel their energy toward addressing pressing challenges facing young people, including unemployment, economic empowerment and political inclusion, rather than engaging in what it termed politically motivated attacks.

The Youth Renaissance for Good Governance also disclosed that several youth groups in the South-East were mobilising support for the Deputy Speaker, with discussions ongoing about organising a solidarity rally in his honour.

Calling for unity among Igbo leaders and youths, the organisation urged stakeholders to rise above divisive politics and focus on the collective development of the region.