COSEYL Suspends Goodluck Ibem, Distances Group from Statement Against Deputy Speaker Kalu
A breakaway faction of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), known as the Reform Caucus, has announced the immediate suspension of Goodluck Ibem from the organisation’s leadership, accusing him of issuing an unauthorised and defamatory statement against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, without the approval or knowledge of the group’s executive council.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, members of the caucus strongly dissociated the organisation from Ibem’s statement, describing it as a reckless action that misrepresented COSEYL and undermined its credibility.
“COSEYL is not for sale. Our name is not a commodity to be traded in the corridors of mischief,” the group declared, alleging that Ibem had repeatedly used the organisation’s name for personal gain and political vendettas.
The caucus leadership, including President Prince Ogbu Emmanuel, Secretary Somto Nwokoye, and Publicity Secretary Nellobi Bright, also presented a detailed legal defence of the Deputy Speaker, addressing the allegations contained in Ibem’s petition to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
Central to their argument was the issue of jurisdiction. According to the caucus, all the actions referenced in the petition allegedly occurred before Kalu was called to the Nigerian Bar in September 2011. Under the Legal Practitioners Act of Nigeria, the LPDC is empowered to investigate only the professional conduct of practising lawyers in relation to the practice of law. Since the alleged incidents predated his call to the Bar, the committee lacks the authority to entertain the petition, they argued.
Addressing claims that Kalu attended the Nigerian Law School while completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, the group maintained that no law expressly prohibits such an overlap. They noted that the National Youth Service Corps Act stipulates only the duration and continuity of service and does not mandate exclusivity.
They further stated that Ibem’s petition failed to cite any specific provision of the law that was breached.
The caucus also highlighted what it described as a major contradiction in the petition.
According to them, Ibem acknowledged that Kalu was duly called to the Bar and even attached his Call to Bar Certificate as evidence, an admission they believe undermines any attempt to question the legitimacy of his enrolment as a legal practitioner.
They further dismissed allegations of fraud, stressing that fraud requires proof beyond reasonable doubt in criminal proceedings. In their view, the materials presented by Ibem fall far short of meeting that legal threshold.
Regarding a declaration allegedly made in April 2010 and referenced in the petition, the caucus noted that it occurred more than a year before Kalu’s call to the Bar and was not made under oath. As such, they argued, it cannot constitute perjury or any criminal offence.
Describing the petition as “frivolous, malicious, and politically motivated,” the group expressed confidence that any credible legal panel would dismiss it outright.
Reaffirming their support for the Deputy Speaker, the caucus described Benjamin Kalu as “one of Ndi Igbo’s emerging servant leaders,” noting that he occupies one of the highest positions in Nigeria’s legislative system and has demonstrated dedication in public service.
The group also issued an unreserved apology to Kalu, his family, constituents, and office for what it described as the embarrassment and reputational harm caused by Ibem’s statement.
It further announced that Ibem’s suspension takes immediate effect and declared that any future statement issued by him in the name of COSEYL should be considered null and void. The caucus urged Nigerians, particularly the Igbo community, to disregard the statement, describing it as “the frustrated outburst of an individual pursuing a personal agenda.”
