PRESS STATEMENT
Global People’s Rights and Values Observation Network [GPRVON]
Date: 17th July, 2026
RE: RESPONSE TO HON. MARTINS ACHADU’S PRESS STATEMENT AND DENIAL OF ALLEGATIONS
Our attention has been drawn to the press statement issued on 16th July, 2026 by Hon. Martins Achadu, Chairman, House Committee on Education, Cross River State House of Assembly, in response to a petition submitted by the Global People’s Rights and Values Observation Network [GPRVON] to the ICPC regarding allegations of “double dipping.”
*1. On the “Faceless Group” Tag*
Hon. Achadu described GPRVON as a “faceless civil society group.” This is false and defamatory.
GPRVON is a duly registered non-governmental organization committed to human rights, good governance, and public accountability. We are currently in court with 6 sitting Governors on matters of good governance, justice, and transparency. A faceless organization cannot institute and sustain such legal actions in Nigerian courts. We therefore demand an immediate retraction of this defamatory statement.
*2. On Accountability and Verifiable Facts*
While every citizen has the right to defend his reputation, issues concerning public office and public funds must be resolved with verifiable facts, not just public declarations.
Hon. Achadu stated that he resigned from the University of Calabar on 25th March, 2022 and that the University has since stopped the salaries and issued him clearance. He also stated that he has refunded salaries paid to him for 20 months after his resignation.
We note these claims. However, the core of our petition to the ICPC is for a proper, independent investigation to verify:
– The exact dates of employment and resignation
– The timeline of salary payments from both the University of Calabar and Cross River State House of Assembly
– The actual date and amount of any refund made
Public trust demands that these facts are placed before the appropriate anti-corruption agency. We are optimistic that the ICPC will do justice to the matter by establishing the truth.
*3. Our Position*
GPRVON remains committed to fighting corruption and promoting transparency. We will not be intimidated by attempts to discredit legitimate civic engagement through name-calling and defamation.
We urge the general public to disregard attempts to dismiss this matter as “pernicious propaganda.” The petition is about principles, public funds, and the integrity of public office.
We trust that the relevant authorities will expedite investigation and make their findings public in the interest of justice and good governance.
Signed,
Mrs. Tracy Ukpebor
Executive Director
For: Global People’s Rights and Values Observation Network [GPRVON]
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