The crisis affecting the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has taken on a new dimension.
PREMIUM TIMES has reported that the National Working Committee (NWC) of PMAN has suspended PMAN President Pretty Okafor over alleged multiple violations of the organisation's constitution, financial misappropriation and other offences.
The committee later appointed Sunny Neji as interim president.
On Thursday, in an unexpected turn of events, the National Executive Council (NEC) of PMAN announced the suspension of some of its key members on the premise of misconduct and intentional efforts to frustrate and truncate the integrity of the association.
In a statement, the NEC said the decision followed evidence that emerged after the conclusion of an emergency meeting of the National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) regarding the allegations levelled against Mr Okafor.
They said the emergency meeting was necessary because it was revealed that certain members of the National Working Committee (NWC) had attempted to undermine the integrity of the association.
The NEC alleged that some of its members jointly suspended Mr Okafor without following due process as provided for in the association's bylaws, Article 18(D) and Article 13(C)(ii).
Article page with accusations of promoting financial support
The NDC report highlighted what it described as the illegal suspension of President Okafor and other chapter governors who opposed his decision.
“The NDC has found evidence, tagged “NWC PAYMENT”, dated June 3, 2022, proving the existence of such transactions. This corroborates the allegation previously denied.
“Further findings revealed that his signature was forged, as claimed by the National Treasurer of the association, JFO Baba Ojonorgua. These allegations suggest cases of misconduct and fraud.
According to the allegations, the NEC contacted the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to lobby for the termination of the partnership, an action that may drastically damage and hamper PMAN’s growth efforts,” the NDC noted.
Although initially denied, NDC said the allegations arose when the governor of a state chapter accused NWC members of receiving payments of about N30,000,000 each.
Suspensions
Due to the revelations and allegations highlighted by the disciplinary committee, NEC said it has decided to suspend Sunny Neji (First Vice President), Zaaki Azzay (Second Vice President), Micheal Stephen Ruggedman (National Ex-Officio) and JFO Baba Ojonorgua (National Treasurer).
In addition, the committee said it had immediately relieved Boniface Itodo, Secretary General, and Faga Bem Paul, Deputy Secretary General, of their duties.
READ ALSO: Alleged fraud: PMAN Executive Council sets up disciplinary committee to investigate Pretty Okafor's suspension
The National Executive Committee has commended and applauded President Pretty Okafor for standing his ground despite the conspiracies against him. “President Okafor has demonstrated exceptional leadership, remaining committed to upholding the values and integrity of PMAN. His steadfast adherence to due process and upholding transparency has been crucial in guiding the association through this period of turmoil,” they said.
In conclusion, NEC said it plans to strengthen internal governance mechanisms to prevent a recurrence of such an incident and restore the association's reputation and integrity.
They also urged all members to remain united in improving PMAN, reiterating their commitment to professionalism, ethical conduct and the overall improvement of the association.