The Centre for Responsible Governance (CRG) has welcomed the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC's) dismissal of a complaint filed against the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
It described the verdict as a clear affirmation of due process and institutional integrity.
The centre's spokesperson, Obande George, said the decision had vindicated Kalu and reaffirmed the organisation's earlier position that the allegations lacked merit.
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The LPDC, in its ruling referenced BB/LPDC/1954/2026, held that no prima facie case had been established against the deputy speaker and dismissed the complaint in its entirety.
George said the decision underscored the importance of allowing competent institutions to examine allegations objectively rather than rushing to judgment in the court of public opinion.
"From the onset, the Centre for Responsible Governance maintained that justice must take its course. We insisted that competent institutions should be allowed to examine the issues without political pressure or sensationalism. The LPDC's ruling has now clearly shown that the allegations had no foundation," he said.
According to him, the decision further reinforces the deputy speaker's reputation, whom he described as a respected member of the Nigerian Bar and an accomplished legislator.
"Hon. Benjamin Kalu is a respected member of the Nigerian Bar and an accomplished lawmaker. Attempts by some individuals to impugn his reputation through unfounded allegations were unfortunate and unnecessary," George added.
The CRG criticised certain civil society organisations which called on Kalu to step aside even before the conclusion of the disciplinary process.
The group described such calls as premature and irresponsible, noting that they contributed to the politicisation of a matter that required careful institutional review.
"It is disappointing that some civil society organisations rushed to demand that the Deputy Speaker step aside without allowing due process to run its course. Advocacy for accountability must be guided by facts and fairness, not by sensational pressure," George said.
The organisation also expressed concern over what it described as the role of some political actors from the South-East who allegedly attempted to exploit the controversy for narrow political interests.
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