PMAN NEC halts Okafor’s suspension as probe into fraud allegation begins

The national executive council (NEC) of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has announced its decision to hold off on the suspension of Pretty Okafor, its president.

Last week, the national working committee (NWC) of PMAN suspended Okafor over alleged financial misconduct among other offences.

The association said the suspension follows a comprehensive investigation into allegations against Okafor, which were “found to be in gross violation of the PMAN constitution and financial regulations”.

NWC also appointed Sunny Neji, who has served as the first vice president, to assume the role of acting president.

But in a statement on Monday, the association said an emergency meeting was held on August 23 to discuss the circumstances surrounding Okafor’s suspension and the allegations levelled against him.

Following the review, NEC directed the NWC to “maintain the status quo regarding the suspension of Okafor and the Chapter governors/sole administrators”.

The statement said “no further actions should be taken by the NWC concerning these suspensions until a full hearing is conducted”.

NEC described the allegations against Okafor as “serious and weighty,” adding that it calls for a comprehensive and transparent review process.

It said a five-member national disciplinary committee (NDC) will be established to investigate allegations of misconduct and breach of the PMAN constitution.

The statement said, “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”.

NEC added that Okafor is required to appear before the disciplinary committee to defend and clarify his actions.

“The NEC 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. Okafor,” the statement reads in part.

“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.

“In view of the above, and in accordance with 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 levelled against Mr. Okafor.

“The members of the NDC have been carefully selected to ensure a fair and impartial review process. Mr. Pretty Okafor is required to return to Nigeria and appear before the NDC to
provide a full defense against these allegations.

“The NDC shall afford Mr. Okafor the opportunity to present all relevant evidence and clarify his actions to the committee.”