Emmanuel Daudu
The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) has issued a strong warning against a group of individuals allegedly involved in fraudulent activities that threaten the integrity of the institute.
In a statement released by Dr. Mrs. Victoria Okoronkwo, Founder, Chairman of the Governing Council, and Pioneer President of CIPMN, the institute has called for urgent action to expose and hold accountable those responsible for illegal practices.
According to Dr. Okoronkwo, the former Registrar of CIPMN, Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe, alongside his associates Jamilu Isa Yankwashi, Hajara Yusuf, and Chief Emmanuel Olabode Afolayan has been engaged in fraudulent activities including issuing fake certificates, conducting unauthorized training and inductions, and attempting to undermine the institute’s credibility.
The controversy dates back to 2019 when Dr. Okoronkwo invited Mbadiwe from the UK to serve as CIPMN’s pioneer Registrar. However, what began as a promising tenure turned into a crisis when Mbadiwe allegedly exploited his position for personal gain. A legal battle ensued, culminating in a judgment from an FCT High Court (SUIT NO: CV/125/19) on December 15, 2020, which led to Mbadiwe’s dismissal. This ruling was enforced by the CIPMN Council through an official letter (Ref No: CIPMN/TOA.HIM.06.21) dated June 18, 2021. Despite this, Mbadiwe reportedly continued operating unlawfully, deceiving the public with counterfeit certifications and training programs.
The alleged fraudulent activities extended beyond the issuance of fake credentials.
Dr. Okoronkwo highlighted a failed attempt by Mbadiwe and his business associate, Bashir Adewale, to seize control of the CIPMN website. A fraudulent letter, referenced CIPMN/ADM/GXC/036/VOL.1/029, was reportedly issued by Mbadiwe, falsely accusing CIPMN of impersonation. Furthermore, the fraudulent use of the domain cipmn.gov.ng has continued, despite CIPMN not being a government agency under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investments (FMITI).
Additionally, Dr. Okoronkwo revealed that Mbadiwe and his associates attempted to repeal the legitimate CIPMN Establishment Act No. 3 of 2018 (Gazetted No. 15 Vol. 105) and replace it with an alternative bill (H.B. 1476) to legitimize their unlawful operations.
Their financial
misconduct reportedly includes fraudulent funding requests made to the Federal Government under false pretenses, with figures reaching billions of naira.
Another alarming incident occurred on January 8, 2024, when Mbadiwe published a list of presumed project managers in Punch Newspaper, despite his prior dismissal. CIPMN swiftly countered this move with a public response in Benchmark News and The Guardian Newspaper on March 1, 2024.
The CIPMN has also condemned the actions of Jamilu Isa Yankwashi, a sitting Vice President, who allegedly attempted to seize control of the institute through unlawful means. On June 13, 2023, Yankwashi reportedly declared himself President before the expiration of his term on June 15, 2023.
Additionally, he has been accused of registering a parallel organization, the Institute of Project, Program, and Project Portfolio Management, with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), in a bid to usurp CIPMN’s authority.
Dr. Okoronkwo reaffirmed CIPMN’s commitment to exposing fraudulent actors and maintaining the credibility of the institute.
She urged stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and the general public to stand with CIPMN in protecting its integrity and ensuring that those responsible for these fraudulent acts are brought to justice.
As the CIPMN continues its fight against fraud, the institute remains steadfast in upholding its Establishment Act and preserving the ethical standards of project management in Nigeria.
Investigations are ongoing, and further legal actions are expected to follow against those implicated in these fraudulent activities.
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