Book projects

The book project has been unfortunately delayed. The first writer contracted in the terms of reference (ToR) to complete Innocent’s draft failed to keep to the terms of the contract and, consequently, the ToR has been terminated.

1. December 2021Former Contracted Writer (FCW) and paid 70% of fees
2. April 2022Book excerpt: deadline for the submission of an excerpt unmet by FCW
3. May 2022Late submission of excerpt by FCW
4. August 2022First draft: deadline for submission of first draft unmet by FCW
5. September 2022Full manuscript: deadline for submission of full manuscript unmet by FCW
6. September 2022 to February 2023Five (5) months of delays by the FCW

   FCW failed to provide updates on progress despite several requests and reminders. He failed to submit any chapter or drafts.

7. February to April 2023FCW’s late submission of 1st rough draft and 2nd draft. Further breaches of ToR terms, and termination decision.

   FCW eventually submitted a rough first draft of the work on February 7, 2023, Five (5) Months and Seven (7) Days past the agreed deadline for the first draft which was August 30, 2022. The Chukwuma Family carried out a first review and the FCW later submitted a second draft in March 29, 2023. A day later the FCW demanded unjustified payments of 30% fees, this was formally rejected by the ICSI Chair and Fellowship as the FCW was yet to complete the work in line with the ToR’s requirements of a final copy edited manuscript ready for the publishers to use. While the Chukwuma family was carrying out the review of the 2nd draft – during Innocent’s 2nd-year memorial activities – the FCW made a public announcement post on social media (Facebook) on April 4, 2023, where he broke confidentiality by sharing unapproved excerpts from the drafts and made false claims that he had completed the book. This public post was brought to Mrs Chukwuma’s attention by friends and well-wishers. These breaches of the contract terms on milestone deadlines and confidentiality necessitated the termination of the ToR and all drafts submitted by the FCW were consequently terminated from that point.

8. May 2023Notice of ToR termination letter was sent to FCW
9. June 2023Former Contract Writer’s ToR formally terminated
10. August 2023New proposals from new contract writer(s) under review
11. September 2023Two writer(s) proposals shortlisted for consideration

    In November 2023, the FCW filed a lawsuit claiming wrongful termination and in March 2024 Mrs Chukwuma and the Institutional Host of ICSI Chair and Fellowship filled a robust defence and countersued the FCW for the breach of contract, delays and consequent damages.