Youth group apologises to Deputy Speaker Kalu, suspends president Ibem
A faction of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), operating under the Reform Caucus, has announced the immediate suspension of Goodluck Ibem from the organisation’s leadership. The caucus
A faction of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), operating under the Reform Caucus, has announced the immediate suspension of Goodluck Ibem from the organisation’s leadership.
The caucus disclosed this during a press conference on Friday, stating that Ibem issued a statement concerning the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, without the knowledge or approval of the group’s executive council.
Addressing journalists, the caucus distanced the organisation from the statement, describing it as an unauthorised action that did not reflect the official position of COSEYL.
The group also presented its views on issues raised in a petition submitted to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), noting that the matters cited in the petition related to events that allegedly occurred before Kalu’s call to the Nigerian Bar in September 2011.
According to the caucus, the LPDC’s jurisdiction is limited to matters concerning the professional conduct of practising lawyers arising from the practice of law.
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The group further commented on other issues referenced in the petition, including questions surrounding the timing of Kalu’s legal training and national service, noting that relevant laws outline the duration and continuity of national service.
Members of the caucus, led by Ogbu Emmanuel and Secretary Somto Nwokoye, said the petition itself acknowledged that Kalu was duly called to the Nigerian Bar, adding that the call-to-Bar certificate was referenced in the document.
The group described the petition as lacking sufficient legal grounds and expressed confidence that the matter would be addressed through the appropriate legal processes.
Reaffirming its position, the caucus commended Kalu’s public service and leadership role in the National Assembly, describing him as a prominent figure within the Igbo community.
The group also issued an apology to the Deputy Speaker, his family, and constituents over the controversy generated by the statement, noting that Ibem’s suspension takes immediate effect.
It added that any future statement issued by Ibem in the name of COSEYL would not be recognised as representing the organisation’s official position.
