In a dramatic turn of events, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has announced the suspension of several key stakeholders within the association. This decision follows an emergency meeting convened in response to findings by the National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) concerning allegations against PMAN's President, Mr. Pretty Okafor.
The emergency meeting was called after it was revealed that certain members of the National Working Committee (NWC) had attempted to undermine the association's integrity. According to the NDC's investigation, these members unilaterally suspended President Pretty Okafor without informing the NEC or appointing a National Disciplinary Committee, actions that are in direct violation of the PMAN Constitution. The Constitution clearly mandates adherence to due process, as outlined in Article 18(D) and Article 13(C)(ii).
Key Findings:
The NDC's report shed light on several misconducts by NWC members, including the unauthorized suspension of President Okafor and other chapter governors who opposed their actions. A significant allegation surfaced when a State Chapter Governor confronted NWC members over receiving payments of approximately N30,000,000.00 each. This claim was initially denied by the NWC members, but the NDC obtained a payment schedule titled "NWC PAYMENT ALLOWANCE dated 3rd June, 2022," which corroborated the allegation.
Further, the National Treasurer of PMAN, JFO Baba Ojonorgua, claimed that his signature was forged on queries and press releases issued by the NWC, a serious allegation that suggests misconduct and fraud. Additionally, the NWC allegedly contacted the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) without NEC's consent, urging the termination of a partnership, an act that could potentially sabotage PMAN’s developmental efforts.
Resolutions and Suspensions:
In light of these findings, the NEC has taken decisive action to suspend the following NWC members found guilty of misconduct:
Sunny Neji (1st Vice President)
Zaaki Azzay (2nd Vice President)
Micheal Stephen Ugochukwu Ruggedman (National Ex-Officio)
JFO Baba Ojonorgua (National Treasurer)
Additionally, the NEC has relieved Mr. Boniface Itodo, the General Secretary, and Mr. Faga Bem Paul, the Assistant General Secretary, of their duties with immediate effect. The suspended members have been formally notified, and this decision has been communicated to all relevant stakeholders to ensure transparency and maintain the association’s integrity.
The NEC has commended President Pretty Okafor for his handling of this challenging situation. Despite the plot against him by some NWC members, President Okafor has demonstrated exceptional leadership, maintaining his commitment to upholding the values and integrity of PMAN. His steadfastness in adhering to due process and championing transparency has been crucial in navigating the association through this period of unrest.
In a statement, the NEC praised President Okafor for his unwavering dedication to the association and his ability to manage the crisis effectively. His leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that PMAN remains united and focused on its mission, despite attempts to undermine his presidency.
Moving Forward:
The NEC has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the PMAN Constitution and maintaining the highest standards of conduct among its members. It plans to strengthen internal governance mechanisms to prevent future occurrences of such misconduct and to restore the association's reputation and integrity.
The NEC urges all members to remain united in their efforts to improve PMAN, reiterating its commitment to professionalism, ethical conduct, and the association’s overall betterment.
Signed by: Chief Ejekajo Williams (PMAN Governor, Abia State), Comrade (Evang.) Joshua Offiong (PMAN Governor, AKS Chapter), Lady Golda C Njiribeako Alexander (Administrator, PMAN Imo State), among others.
The PMAN community looks ahead to a period of healing and renewed commitment to its foundational principles, inspired by the resilient leadership of President Pretty Okafor.
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