A civic advocacy organisation, the Centre for Responsible Governance (CRG), has called on political actors and interest groups to desist from what it described as needless witch-hunting of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, over renewed controversies surrounding his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) records.
The group said the issues being raised had already been addressed by the National Youth Service Corps, noting that a formal verification letter issued on May 23, 2023, had clarified the matter.
According to the organisation, the letter referenced NYSC/CCD/VER/10/5.1/VOL1/02 had resolved questions concerning the Deputy Speaker’s NYSC records.
Speaking on the renewed debate, the spokesman of the Centre, Obande George, expressed concern that matters previously clarified by a competent national institution were being resurrected for what he described as political reasons.
George stated that political actors should move away from destructive engagements and instead focus on national development.
“It is important to note that the NYSC had already issued a verification letter dated May 23, 2023 addressing the matter. Reopening issues that have already been clarified by a competent authority suggests that some individuals are more interested in political witch-hunting than in national progress,” he said.
The organisation stressed that democracy can only thrive when institutions are respected and their determinations accepted in good faith rather than constantly questioned for political advantage.
CRG also commended the Deputy Speaker for what it described as his maturity and composure throughout the controversy despite sustained public scrutiny.
According to George, Kalu demonstrated restraint by allowing relevant institutions to address the issues through official records rather than engaging in public confrontations.
“Honourable Benjamin Kalu has shown remarkable calm and maturity in the face of intense public scrutiny and political provocation. Instead of engaging in unnecessary public confrontation, he allowed institutions to speak through their records,” he added.
The Centre further warned that Nigeria’s political culture must evolve beyond constant character attacks and sensational allegations that distract public officials from governance.
It urged political stakeholders to prioritise constructive engagement and policy-driven discussions that would advance national development.
CRG also advised Nigerians to rely on verified information from credible institutions and avoid spreading speculative claims capable of damaging reputations or destabilising public discourse.
The organisation reiterated that respect for due process and institutional integrity remains critical to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
