PMAN: Crisis deepens as NEC suspends Neji, Azzay, Ruggedman over misconduct

The crisis currently rocking the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has worsened as the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Association has announced the indefinite suspension of some of its members.

Recall that the NEC had, in a statement issued on Thursday, halted suspension of the of association’s President, Mr Pretty Okafor, who the National Working Committee (NWC) had earlier suspended over alleged financial misconduct among other offences, and directed that status quo be maintained over the suspension.

In a statement, it directed the NWC to “maintain the status quo regarding the suspension of Okafor and the Chapter governors/sole administrators. No further actions should be taken by the NWC concerning these suspensions until a full hearing is conducted.”

The NWC had last week, suspended Okafor over alleged financial misconduct, among other offences, and appointed Sunny Neji, who is the first vice president, to assume the role of Acting President.

But the NEC would later set up a five-member National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) to investigate Okafor’s suspension and the allegations leveled against him.

In the statement on Thursday, NEC said findings by the NDC revealed that members of NWC had “attempted to undermine the association’s integrity.”

According to the statement, Sunny Neji, Zaaki Azzay (2nd Vice President), Michael ‘Ruggedman’ Stephen (National Ex-Officio) and JFO Baba Ojonorgua (National Treasurer) have been suspended after being “found guilty of misconduct.”

The NEC also said it has relieved the General Secretary, Boniface Itodo; and the Assistant General Secretary, Faga Bem Paul; of their duties with immediate effect. The Association commended Okafor for demonstrating “exceptional leadership” and his “ability to manage the crisis effectively.

“The NDC’s report shed light on several misconducts by NWC members, including the unauthorised 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 million 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.

“The NEC has commended President Pretty Okafor for his handling of this challenging situation despite the plot against him by some NWC members,” the statement reads in part.