PMAN crisis worsens as NEC suspends Sunny Neji, Zaaki Azzay, Ruggedman over ‘misconduct’

The national executive council (NEC) of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has announced the indefinite suspension of some of its members.

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

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

The NEC would later set up a five-member national disciplinary committee (NDC) to investigate Okafor’s suspension and the allegations levelled against him.

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

The statement said Neji, Zaaki Azzay (2nd vice president), Micheal ‘Ruggedman’ Stephen (national ex-officio), and JFO Baba Ojonorgua (national treasurer) have been suspended after being “found guilty of misconduct”.

The NEC also relieved Boniface Itodo, the general secretary; and Faga Bem Paul, the assistant general secretary, of their duties.

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 unauthorized suspension of President Okafor and other chapter governors who opposed their actions,” the statement reads in part.

“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.”