Following the suspension of Pretty Okafor, as President of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria, PMAN, by the National Working Committee, on Friday 23, August, 2024, the National Executive Committee of the Association has asked that status quo be maintained until the appeal by Mr Okafor is addressed.
This resolution is a fallout of the emergency meeting held by NEC, sequel to the suspension of the embattled president and the chapter Governors/Sole Administrators.
According to a letter from the NEC, dated 26th, August 2024, it directed that no further action should be taken by NWC until Okafor’s appeal is fully considered according to the constitution of the Association for fairness and due process.
NEC reaffirmed further that the suspension of any member, including the President, must be based on a finding of guilt by the Disciplinary Committee, as stipulated in Article 18 (A) of the PMAN Constitution. The NEC noted that no such committee had been duly appointed to address the allegations against Mr. Pretty Okafor, rendering the suspension procedurally improper.
NEC said it did not receive any submissions—written or oral—from the NWC to necessitate the setting up of National Disciplinary Committee in accordance with the Constitution of PMAN to consider the allegations levelled against Mr. Pretty Okafor.
The PMAN Constitution further provides that the disciplinary committee shall: Take into consideration any submissions made by the member in connection with the allegation being investigated by it. Where it deems necessary, review documents and interview the complainant, the relevant member and their witnesses. Observe the rules of natural justice in its proceeding and make such recommendations as it deems appropriate to the NWC in respect of the complaint within the period specified by the National Working Committee for determining the complaint.
The letter signed by 14 members of NEC said that in accordance with Article 13 (C) (ii) of the PMAN Constitution, the NEC has resolved to appoint a National Disciplinary Committee (NDC), consisting of a Chairman and four other members. The NDC is mandated to investigate the allegations of misconduct and breaches of the Constitution or Code of Conduct by Mr. Pretty Okafor and the Chapter Governors/Sole Administrators, as referred to it by the NWC.
The NDC is headed by Comrade Chuku Uchena James (Ebonyi State) who will serve as chairman and four other members spread across different states including FCT.
Therefore NEC has asked Mr. Okafor to return to Nigeria and appear before the National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) to provide a comprehensive defense against the allegations.
NDC will give him the opportunity to present all relevant evidence and clarify his actions to the committee.
NEC also resolved to actively oversee significant matters to prevent any lapses in communication or decision-making that could harm the association’s reputation.
It will be recalled that on 23rd August, 2024, the NWC of PMAN, had released a statement in which it said the suspension followed a comprehensive investigation into Mr. Okafor’s actions, which were found to be in gross violation of its Constitution and financial regulations.
The infractions leading to Mr. Okafor’s suspension included: unconstitutional actions, financial misconduct and violation of constitutional duties.
The statement noted that in the interim, Sunny Neji, who has served as the 1st Vice President, will assume the role of Acting President of PMAN in accordance with the PMAN Constitution.
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