The controversy surrounding allegations of certificate forgery against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu intensified on Tuesday as the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) distanced itself from a purported apology issued to the lawmaker, calling it a “poorly orchestrated charade.”
In a firm press statement signed by its President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Okey Nwaoru, the apex socio-political youth group in the South East described the individuals who recently held a press conference as impostors with no affiliation to the organization.
COSEYL clarified that there is no structure known as a “Reform Caucus” within its constitution. The group identified the alleged impostors as Prince Ogbu Emmanuel, Somto Nwokoye, and Nellobi Bright, stating unequivocally that they have no mandate to speak on its behalf.
The organization accused the Deputy Speaker and his associates of recruiting non-members to impersonate COSEYL in a desperate attempt to discredit the group and mislead the public regarding the serious allegations of certificate forgery currently under scrutiny.
“This action only exposes the kind of conduct Nigerians have come to question and reinforces the urgent need for transparency and accountability in this matter,” the statement read.
COSEYL maintained its stance on the allegations contained in a petition previously submitted to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), urging the institutions to disregard the “manufactured statements” and proceed with a thorough and transparent investigation into the forgery claims.
“A leopard does not change its spots,” the group said in a pointed remark. “The recent actions surrounding this matter have further exposed the true character of those attempting to manipulate public perception.”
The Coalition reaffirmed its commitment to truth, justice, and accountability, vowing that no amount of intimidation or propaganda would deter it from its objectives. They have urged the public and the media to disregard any statements from the “impostors,” insisting that only the leadership under Comrade Goodluck Ibem is authorized to speak for the organization amid the ongoing saga.
