by Uchechukwu Okoroafor, Abuja
In recent times, Dr. Mrs. Victoria I. Okoronkwo, the Pioneer President and Life Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), has faced a barrage of allegations, ranging from the mismanagement of funds to nepotism. These allegations have been propagated by individuals and groups with vested interests, aiming to tarnish her reputation, and undermine the significant contributions she has made to the Institute and Nigeria’s project management sector.
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However, upon close examination, these accusations are not only baseless but also a calculated attempt to derail the progress of CIPMN for selfish gains. This aims to refute these defamatory fabrications and present the truth behind the accusations.
One of the most prominent accusations against Dr. Mrs. Okoronkwo is that she signed the Institute’s cheques singly, thereby breaching financial protocols. This allegation is misleading and fails to consider the historical context of the Institute. The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) evolved from the Institute of Project Managers Ltd/Gte, which was initially a private entity. During its early years, the Institute operated with two signatories, Dr. Mrs. Okoronkwo and her husband, Mr. Godwin Okoronkwo. Four bank accounts were opened under the name Institute of Project Managers Ltd/Gte in 2009, long before the Institute gained its chartered status. The Establishment Act of CIPMN, specifically Section 10, mandated that all assets and liabilities of the former Institute should be transferred to the Chartered Institute.
Therefore, the existing bank accounts were not closed immediately to maintain continuity and a straight historical record. However, as the Institute transitioned to its chartered status, steps were taken to update the bank mandates and include additional signatories. This process involved multiple banks, and while some banks quickly adapted to the changes, others, like Zenith Bank, required additional documentation and time. It is crucial to note that the practice of signing cheques singly ceased as soon as the banks updated the mandates. The allegation that Dr. Mrs. Okoronkwo continued to sign cheques singly is therefore unfounded and appears to be a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and discredit her leadership.
The claim that Dr. Mrs. Okoronkwo has “pocketed” the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria is not only baseless but also absurd. As the sole founder of the Institute, her name is enshrined in the Establishment Act as the Pioneer President and Life Chairman, a testament to her foundational role in the Institute’s creation. The Council of CIPMN, inaugurated on December 18, 2018, and holding its first statutory meeting with the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI) on December 2, 2019, operates under the guidelines set forth in the Establishment Act. The Council has held regular meetings, made decisions according to the Act, and has been transparent in its operations, as evidenced by the meeting minutes and other documentation. The real motive behind this allegation seems to be a sinister plot by certain individuals, particularly Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe and his cohorts, who have been relentless in their attempts to blackmail and discredit Dr. Mrs. Okoronkwo. Their goal appears to be the hijacking of CIPMN, turning it into a personal cash cow rather than allowing it to function as a professional regulatory body that serves the nation.
Another accusation levied against Dr. Mrs. Okoronkwo is that she has been running the Institute from her house, thereby compromising its professionalism. This allegation, too, falls flat when examined closely. From 2004 to 2017, Dr. Mrs. Okoronkwo paid for office accommodations out of her own pocket, demonstrating her commitment to the Institute’s success even before it attained its chartered status. However, as the Institute was in the process of being chartered, she recognized the need for a more stable and secure office location. To avoid the risk of potential embarrassment or eviction due to unpaid rent, especially since the Institute had not yet started generating substantial income or receiving government appropriations, Dr. Mrs. Okoronkwo voluntarily offered two units of three-bedroom flats in her personal property for the Institute’s use. This decision was made in the best interest of CIPMN, providing it with a secure base of operations during its formative years. The Establishment Act does not specify provisions for office accommodation, leaving such decisions to the discretion of the Institute’s leadership. Dr. Mrs. Okoronkwo exercised this discretion responsibly, ensuring that CIPMN had a functional office space while it built the capacity to relocate to a more permanent location. The attempt by the conspirators to twist this benevolent act into something nefarious is nothing more than an act of desperation to undermine her leadership.
Perhaps the most outlandish of all the allegations is the claim that Dr. Mrs. Okoronkwo intends to hand over the leadership of CIPMN to her son, who is still in secondary school. This accusation is not only false but also laughable. It is a fabrication created by Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe to further his agenda of discrediting Dr. Mrs. Okoronkwo and positioning himself to take over the Institute. There is no evidence to support this claim, and it is merely a distraction from the real issues at hand.
Another baseless accusation is that Dr. Mrs. Okoronkwo intends to make her husband the life chairman of the election nomination committee. This claim is another fabrication by Mbadiwe and his conspirators, designed to paint Dr. Mrs. Okoronkwo as someone who is using her position for personal gain. The truth is that her husband, Arc Godwin Okoronkwo, is a highly qualified professional with significant experience, including his role as the Assistant Resident Project Manager on the prestigious CBN Head Office Project in Abuja. His involvement in CIPMN is based on his professional qualifications and contributions to the Institute, not on any nepotistic intentions.
The final major accusation is that Dr. Mrs. Okoronkwo appointed her husband as a Council member. This claim ignores the fact that Arc Godwin Okoronkwo has been a Trustee of the parent Institute of Project Managers Ltd/Gte since its inception. His role in the Council is not the result of nepotism but rather a natural continuation of his involvement in the Institute’s development. His inclusion in the Council was essential for ensuring a smooth transition and the effective implementation of the CIPMN Act.
It is clear that the allegations against Dr. Mrs. Okoronkwo are part of a broader conspiracy orchestrated by individuals with ulterior motives. These individuals, led by Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe, are driven by greed and a desire to hijack CIPMN for their personal gain. They have gone to great lengths, including fabricating memos and taking these falsehoods to the Presidency, to undermine Dr. Mrs. Okoronkwo’s leadership and seize control of the Institute. Their actions are not only unethical but also illegal, as they are attempting to circumvent the judicial process by pursuing these matters through other channels while the issues are still pending in court. This abuse of power and disregard for the rule of law is a clear indication of their desperation and lack of integrity.
Dr. Mrs. Victoria Okoronkwo has dedicated her life to the establishment and growth of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria. Her contributions have been instrumental in the Institute’s success, and the allegations against her are nothing more than a smear campaign designed to discredit her and derail the progress of CIPMN. As we examine these accusations, it becomes evident that they are baseless and driven by individuals with selfish interests. It is imperative that the truth be recognized and that Dr. Mrs. Okoronkwo’s legacy be protected from those who seek to tarnish it for their gain. The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria must continue to operate with integrity and professionalism, free from the influence of those who would seek to hijack its mission for their purposes.