The Parliamentary Advocacy Network (PAN) has cautioned individuals and groups against what it described as attempts to blackmail political leaders, particularly the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, following the dismissal of a petition against him.

The group gave the warning while reacting to the decision of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), which dismissed allegations that Kalu simultaneously served in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) while attending the Nigerian Law School.

The petition, filed by Barr. John Aikpokpo Martins, alleged that the Deputy Speaker committed professional infractions by participating in both programmes at the same time.

However, the LPDC ruled that no prima facie case was established, noting that there was no basis to invite or investigate Kalu over the matter.

Reacting in a statement on Thursday, PAN’s National Coordinator, Amb. Anderson Osiebe, commended the committee for what he described as a professional and patriotic handling of the petition.

He warned against the use of unfounded allegations and social media campaigns to tarnish the reputation of public officials, stressing that such actions undermine democratic institutions and political leadership.

Osiebe also criticised the petitioner and a group identified as Abia Patriots for allegedly promoting the claims on social media, urging them to desist from what he called needless attacks on public office holders.

The group said political stakeholders in Abia State should take pride in the Deputy Speaker, noting that Kalu remains the highest-ranking political officeholder from the South-East zone.

PAN further urged critics to focus on constructive engagement instead of spreading allegations that could distract leaders from their responsibilities.

While congratulating Kalu on the LPDC decision, the group appealed to him to forgive those behind the petition in the spirit of the ongoing observances of Ramadan and Lent.