The Registrar of the Chartered institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), Mr Henry Mbadiwe has stated that there is no division in the Organization.
Speaking in Abuja, Mbadiwe however lamented that despite the dissolution of the former Governing Council by the then President Muhammadu Buhari, the Institute’s activities have been hindered by court injunctions filed by Dr Mrs Victoria Okoronkwo, the former chairman.
He explained that, Okoronkwo’s legal challenge stems from an alleged unfair dismissal from her previous office. “These legal battles, characterized by continuous adjournments, have impeded the efficient execution of the Institute’s tasks, hindering its potential growth”.
Explaining the situation further, Mr. Mbadiwe clarified that although the court ruled that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the ministry lacked the power to dissolve the former Council, it was actually a presidential order that led to its dissolution and the appointment of Dr. Mimi Abu as the sole administrator.
“The former President Buhari, conveyed this directive through his then Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari to the SGF.
“In a letter addressed to the then SGF, Mr. Boss Mustapha, by the former minister of industry, trade, and investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, dated October 7, 2021,with reference number, T/FAL 23689/S.30811/1/129, it was noted that the main challenge of the Institute stems from the Act setting it up.
“This Act confers upon the pioneer president, Mrs. Okoronkwo, the position of Chairman in perpetuity, leading to administrative challenges and disregard for regulations”.
The Registrar said another letter from the ministry, “dated December 9, 2021, with reference number: T/FAL.23689/S.30811/1/132, addressed to the SGF, outlined the appointment of a sole administrator for CIPMN in response to a directive from the SGF.
“It emphasized that the former Governing Council ceased to exist in 2020 with the passage of the CIPMN Act No.3 of 2018, and it was not appointed by the government but elected by the members themselves.”
Mbadiwe clarified that the process of amending the CIPMN Act has already begun.
He further stated that Mrs Okoronkwo has allegations of financial misappropriation and the use of domestic residents as the Institute office leveled against her.
The Registrar said efforts by the Council to address these concerns were met with resistance from Mrs. Okoronkwo, prompting intervention from the Ministry.
“A series of directives were issued, including the relocation of the Institute’s office, the establishment of a proper government account, and the appointment of a Registrar to manage day-to-day affairs.”
“However, Mrs. Okoronkwo’s refusal to comply led to further escalation, culminating in legal proceedings. Despite attempts at reconciliation initiated by the Ministry, Mrs. Okoronkwo and Dr. Jamilu Isa Yankwashi remained defiant, eventually forming their own faction within the Institute”.
He explained that, in response to the deteriorating situation, the Ministry sought intervention from higher authorities, leading to the dissolution of the self-appointed council and the appointment of a Sole Administrator to oversee necessary reforms.
Mbadiwe stated that the Institute now has its office located within the Ministry’s premises, specifically in the old federal Secretariat Abuja, adding that the Institute has also successfully established its Treasury Single Account (TSA) and is preparing to host its inaugural event scheduled from December 11th to 13th.