Coalition Calls for Legal Action Against Fake News Targeting Deputy Speaker
The Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) and the Freelance Journalists Federation (FJF) have issued a strong demand for the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force to identify and prosecute individuals responsible for disseminating false information against Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu. During a press conference held in Abuja on Sunday, March 15, the groups asserted that recent allegations circulating against the deputy speaker are orchestrated attempts by opposition elements to undermine his growing political influence and reputation.
Baseless Allegations and Legal Dismissal
Speaking through their conveners, Solomon Semeka and Ibrahim Akawe Joseph, the coalition revealed that faceless groups, operating under the guise of activism, have been spreading unfounded claims regarding Kalu's National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Law School records. They emphasized that the narrative suggesting Kalu illegally combined his NYSC programme with Law School training is entirely fictitious and should be disregarded. The groups noted that a previous petition on this matter was submitted to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), which dismissed it for lacking merit after a thorough review, effectively closing the issue.
Political Motivations Behind the Smear Campaign
The coalition further disclosed that both organisations conducted independent private inquiries into the allegations and found no evidence to support the claims. They stated, "Our findings confirm that the Deputy Speaker complied with all statutory requirements of the Nigerian legal profession and the National Youth Service Corps scheme. There is no documentary or factual evidence to support the allegations being peddled by his detractors." The groups alleged that the smear campaign is politically motivated, linked to the anticipated 2027 governorship race in Abia State. They explained that certain politicians in the state feel threatened by Kalu's rising popularity and his support for the President's Renewed Hope agenda, leading them to resort to character assassination instead of competing on legislative performance.
Refusal to Participate and Ongoing Investigations
Additionally, the groups claimed they were approached by sponsors of the alleged smear campaign about two weeks ago but declined to participate. They affirmed their commitment to national development and refusal to engage in the blackmail of a public official recently recognized with the Best Lawmaker Award in the country. The coalition is currently compiling a dossier on the fake civil society organisations and their sponsors, which will be submitted to security agencies for investigation. They urged the public to ignore further attempts to revive the allegations, describing them as the work of political merchants hired to distract a dedicated public servant.
Appeal for Justice and Public Support
The coalition has called on the DSS and Nigeria Police Force to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring those responsible to justice, labeling it a deliberate attempt to defame a high-ranking official and incite public distrust. They plan to submit a formal petition to ensure accountability under the law. The groups maintained that genuine civil society organisations across Nigeria support Deputy Speaker Kalu and encouraged Nigerians to disregard the malicious narratives, which they view as desperate attempts to halt his political momentum.
