For President, Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Mr. Pretty Okafor, his purported suspension from office could be likened to an “evil gang up”.
Okafor, who’s away on an official trip to Spain, was recently suspended over some allegations leveled against him by some aggrieved members of the association.
However, Okafor had survived the plot when the PMAN’s National Executive Council (NEC) ordered the National Working Committee (NWC) to maintain the status quo and allow a full hearing into the allegations in accordance with the union’s constitution.
Rising from an emergency meeting on August 23, 2024 where the circumstances surrounding the suspension of the President and Chapter Governors/Sole Administrators were thoroughly reviewed, the NEC had resolved to set up a National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) to look into all the allegations and infractions.
According to the NEC, “no further actions should be taken by the NWC concerning the suspension until a full hearing is conducted in accordance with the PMAN constitution.”
In an exclusive chat with The Sun, a visibly angry and disappointed Okafor said his suspension was uncalled for, describing it as an evil gang up and senseless plot by some wolves in sheep’s clothing.
“It all started when I received a memo from these people. Initially, I didn’t suspect anything. In my childish innocence, I decided to reply the memo only for me to receive a letter of suspension the following day. Can you imagine that?
“These people are aware that I am currently in Spain in search of investors for some of our (PMAN’s) projects. But they decided to plot a senseless coup against me over some spurious allegations. It’s nothing but an evil gang up. Why can’t they wait till I return to the country and then confront me? Look, these guys are cowards. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing; they are enemies pretending to be friends. What they couldn’t do in my presence, they decided to do in my absence. But thank God the National Executive Council (NEC) has waded in. I can assure you that all their shenanigans will be exposed by the time I return to Nigeria this weekend,” he explained.
In accordance with Article 13 (C) (ii) of the PMAN constitution, the National Executive Council is empowered to appoint a chairman and four other persons to form a National Disciplinary Committee (NDC), which shall consider allegations of misconduct and constitutional breach by a member, as may be referred to it by the National Working Committee.
Therefore, it behoves the disciplinary committee to look into all submissions made by the member in connection with the allegation being investigated. And where necessary, the disciplinary committee shall review documents and interview the complainants, relevant members and their witnesses; observe the rules of natural justice in its proceeding; and make appropriate recommendations to the National Working Committee in respect of the complaint within a specific period.
In Okafor’s case, however, the NEC did not receive any submission, either written or oral, from the National Working Committee to necessitate the setting up of National Disciplinary Committee to probe the allegations leveled against him.
A NEC statement further revealed: “As far as the NEC is concerned, no National Disciplinary Committee was recently appointed. A suspension of any member by the NWC is subject to a finding of guilty by the Disciplinary Committee as provided in Article 18 (A) of the PMAN constitution.
“Furthermore, Article 18 (D) provides that a member shall not be fined, suspended or expelled from the Association except reasonable opportunity has been given to him to be heard in person. The NEC firmly believes that the constitution clearly provides for how situations like this should be handled, and there are no ambiguities. The allegations made against Mr. Pretty Okafor are quite serious and weighty and calls for a comprehensive and transparent review process.
“In view of the above, and in accordance with Article 13 (C) (ii) of the PMAN constitution, the NEC has appointed a National Disciplinary Committee comprising of a chairman and four (4) other persons to consider the allegations of misconduct leveled against Mr. Pretty Okafor.”
The Disciplinary Committee comprised of Comrade Chuku Uchena James (Ebonyi State), chairman; Crade Aralola Olamuyiwa (Lagos State); Comrade Jack Sydney Asuwani (Abuja FCT); Lady Golda C Njiribeako Alexander (Imo State), and Robert Udende (Benue State).
Expressing his excitment about the diverse composition of the Disciplinary Committee, the NEC believes it will bring balanced perspectives to the review process, and uphold the principles of fairness and integrity throughout the proceedings.
But in a dramatic turn of events, the NEC on Thursday suspended several key stakeholders of the association including Sunny Neji (1st Vice President), Zaaki Azzay (2nd Vice President), Micheal Stephen Ugochukwu aka Ruggedman (National Ex-Officio), and JFO Baba Ojonorgua (National Treasurer).
Additionally, the NEC has relieved Boniface Itodo, General Secretary and Faga Bem Paul, Assistant General Secretary, of their duties with immediate effect.
This decision follows an emergency meeting convened in response to findings by the National Disciplinary Committee over the allegations leveled against Pretty Okafor.
According to the NDC, the members unilaterally suspended Okafor without informing the NEC or appointing a National Disciplinary Committee, an action described as a direct violation of the PMAN constitution.
Also, in a bold move to uphold the integrity of the association Okafor has announced the immediate termination of Bem Faga Paul, the Assistant General Secretary of the association.
Meanwhile, all the suspended and terminated members have been formally notified, and the decision has been communicated to all relevant stakeholders to ensure transparency.
The NEC, however, commended Okafor for handling the situation with maturity. “Despite the plot against him by some NWC members, Pretty 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,” the body stated.