CRG Applauds LPDC Verdict Clearing Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Condemns Political Witch-Hunt

The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee’s (LPDC) decision to reject the complaint against House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu was applauded by the Centre for Responsible Governance (CRG), which described the decision as a clear affirmation of due process and institutional integrity.

The Center’s spokesperson, Obande George, said in a press release over the weekend that the disciplinary body’s decision has once again upheld the Deputy Speaker and confirmed CRG’s earlier stance that the accusations against him were unfounded.

In its decision, which cited BB/LPDC/1954/2026, the LPDC dismissed the complaint in its entirety on the grounds that no prima facie evidence had been established against the Deputy Speaker.

George claims that the ruling highlights how crucial it is to let qualified organizations investigate accusations impartially rather than making snap decisions in the court of popular opinion.

The Center for Responsible Governance insisted from the beginning that justice must be served. We argued that reputable organizations ought to be free to investigate the problems without interference from politics or sensationalism. He stated, “The LPDC’s decision has now unequivocally demonstrated that the accusations had no basis.

The CRG spokesperson went on to say that the ruling upholds the Deputy Speaker’s stellar reputation, which he has developed over the years as a legislator and legal practitioner.

Honorable Benjamin Kalu is an outstanding legislator and a well-respected member of the Nigerian Bar. It was regrettable and needless for some people to try to damage his character by making baseless accusations.

Additionally, CRG denounced the conduct of some civil society organizations that demanded the Deputy Speaker resign from office before any official decision had been taken by the appropriate authorities.
Such calls, according to George, were premature and careless, contributing to the politicization of an issue that needed serious institutional evaluation.

“It is disheartening that several civil society organizations hurried to call for the Deputy Speaker to resign without giving due process a chance to be completed. Facts and justice, not sensational pressure, should be the driving forces behind advocacy for accountability.

The group also denounced what it claimed to be the part played by certain South East political figures who reportedly tried to take advantage of the situation for their own limited political agendas.

The idea that some politicians would try to discredit one of their own for temporary political gain is concerning, according to CRG.

The fact that some South East political players were eager to turn this issue as a weapon in an effort to overthrow one of their own for quick political advantage is even more unsettling. Such acts undermine the sense of unity necessary for national growth and impede collective political advancement.

Therefore, CRG urged Nigerians to take note of the incident and reiterate their respect for the rule of law and institutional procedures.

The group emphasized that rather than rumors or politically driven campaigns, public conversation should be led by facts, justice, and responsible participation.

The lesson here is straightforward: before drawing judgments, accusations must be investigated by reputable organizations. When due process is upheld and reputations are not carelessly destroyed, Nigeria’s democracy will only become more robust.

In closing, CRG praised the Deputy Speaker for remaining composed and dignified during the dispute, pointing out that his poise demonstrated faith in the legal system.