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Deputy Speaker Kalu, 3 Others Bag PhD in Policy and Strategic Studies
Jeph Bisi
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, along with three other individuals, has been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Policy and Strategic Studies. The degrees were conferred at the Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC) of Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja.
According to Prof. Philip Dahida, the Director of the Center, the academic achievements were granted after the candidates successfully completed all requirements, including the defense of their theses on August 7, 2025.
In addition to Deputy Speaker Kalu, the other recipients are Ugonna Obi Emeruwa, Abubakar Saddiq Musa, and Ahmed Umar Bolori, all of whom received doctoral degrees in the same field.
Speaking after the event, Prof. Patricia Manko Lar, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, praised Kalu for his commitment and determination to pursue education despite his busy schedule as a public official. She underscored the importance of Kalu’s research work and doctoral thesis titled “Government Capacity to Integrate International Climate Adaptation Strategies and Policies in Nigeria,” which aims to address significant gaps in that area.
Prof. Lar encouraged political elites to recognize the university’s capacity to deliver high-quality academic knowledge and contribute to national development.
In his remarks, Kalu expressed his gratitude to Prof. Dahida and the university community. He stated that the education he received has better equipped him to contribute to Nigeria’s growth and development. He emphasized that he was treated no differently than other students and that at no point was he asked for bribes or favors in exchange for assistance. Kalu, however vowed to apply the knowledge he gained and to strengthen legislation on climate change in Nigeria.
“I did not come to the University of Abuja to acquire a title. I came to gather tools that would aid in nation-building efforts. I focused on climate change because I know Nigeria is losing significantly due to our inability to integrate international policies and strategies into our national framework. I am declaring this university a solution hub for the multifaceted problems facing Nigeria,” he stated.
“As a lawmaker, I intends to use legislative measures to address identified gaps in the system, proposing the establishment of a Climate Adaptation Council to integrate existing bodies relevant to this issue.
“We will review current laws, possibly amending the Climate Change Act or creating new legislation that provides a stronger framework for capacity building for those addressing climate change,” he assured.
Kalu also urged Nigerians to consider local institutions for further education, emphasizing their potential to foster national growth.
“While studying abroad is an option, we must not overlook the institutions we fund as a government. Supporting local universities increases their credibility and integrity.
“I aim to inspire those who think they cannot study because they cannot obtain visas to go overseas. What they seek is available here. I have studied at institutions around the world and can attest to the quality of education provided.
“I did not attend classes as Deputy Speaker. Many students were unaware of my position until the end of my studies because I chose to blend in—wearing a cap and T-shirt, sitting at the back of the classroom to be treated like everyone else,” the lawmaker concluded.
News
Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.
The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.
Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.
In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.
“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”
The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).
– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.
– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.
– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.
– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.
“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”
The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.
About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.
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