Group Denounces Baseless Petition Against Benjamin Kalu, Confirms Flawless NYSC Record

The Igbo Mandate Movement Group has dismissed a petition filed by Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins, a former First Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), seeking a review of records concerning the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu. The group described the petition as baseless, politically motivated, and without merit.

In a statement released on 21 February 2026, Igboeli Arinze Napoleon, National Coordinator of the group, outlined Kalu’s academic and service history to clarify the circumstances surrounding his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year.

“Benjamin Kalu faced systemic delays in gaining admission to the Nigerian Law School, yet he refused to remain idle. He pursued further studies abroad and returned to fulfill both his academic and national service obligations simultaneously,” Napoleon said. “This is a clear demonstration of discipline, commitment, and patriotism that deserves commendation, not condemnation.”

Kalu graduated from the University of Calabar in 1998 and was mobilized for NYSC in Enugu North Local Government Area in 2010. Although eligible for exemption due to age, he chose to fully engage in his service duties, ultimately earning leadership recognition and the Citizenship and Leadership Award.

Napoleon emphasized that Kalu’s Law School admission coincided geographically and temporally with his NYSC posting, allowing him to fulfill both obligations without conflict. “The records speak for themselves: Kalu met all attendance requirements at the Nigerian Law School, actively participated in NYSC activities, and successfully completed his Bar examinations,” Napoleon stated. He also noted Kalu’s contribution to the research team of the then Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Professor Ernest Ojukwu.

The statement further highlighted that professional certifications, including Law School qualification, are routinely pursued by corps members across Nigeria during their service year and that no NYSC rules were violated. “It is illogical and unfair to single out Kalu or the Nigerian Law School,” Napoleon said. “He followed every requirement set by both institutions, yet he is now being attacked over circumstances beyond his control.”

The Igbo Mandate Movement framed the petition as part of a pattern of politically motivated attacks against Kalu, recalling previous challenges to his academic credentials and NYSC service, all of which were resolved in his favor. Napoleon added, “The era of allowing divisive narratives to undermine Igbo leaders is over. We stand firmly with Benjamin Kalu, a shining example of what young Nigerians can achieve through integrity and dedication.”

The group called on the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) and NYSC to dismiss the petition and urged Nigerians, particularly the Igbo community, to recognize Kalu’s record of service and professional achievement.