The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has intervened in the ongoing suspension saga and fund mismanagement crisis rocking the association.
During an emergency meeting over the weekend, the NEC decided to maintain the status quo regarding Mr. Pretty Okafor, President of PMAN, and the Chapter Governors/Sole Administrators suspension.
The National Working Committee of PMAN announced Okafor’s suspension as its president on Friday, despite Okafor’s protests and insistence that the NEC alone could suspend him, Persecondnews recalls.
In a statement obtained by Per Second News, NEC directed NWC to take no further action on the suspensions until a full hearing is conducted in accordance with the PMAN Constitution.
“We must ensure fairness and adherence to due process,” said the NEC in a statement.
“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 appointed a National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) to investigate allegations of misconduct and breaches of the Constitution or Code of Conduct.
Five members, carefully selected to ensure a balanced perspective, make up the NDC.
The NDC members are Comrade Chuku Uchena James (Chairman), Comrade Aralola Olamuyiwa, Comrade Jack Sydney Asuwani, Comrade Lady Golda C. Njiribeako Alexander, and Comrade Robert Udende.
The NEC emphasised that the NDC will uphold the principles of fairness and integrity throughout the proceedings.
“We are committed to a just and transparent process,” said a NEC member. “The NDC will ensure a fair and impartial review process, and all members will receive a fair hearing.”
The NEC noted that the NDC has the authority to summon any member, review documents, interview witnesses, and make recommendations to the NWC.
The NEC reaffirmed that suspension must be based on a finding of guilt by the Disciplinary Committee and that due process must be followed in all disciplinary actions.
The NEC reiterated that members have the right to be heard in person before any disciplinary action is taken. All members will receive a fair hearing.
The NEC asked Mr. Pretty Okafor to return to Nigeria and appear before the NDC to provide a comprehensive defence against the allegations.
“We will not compromise on our values,” said the NEC.
“We are committed to upholding justice and ensuring that all actions taken are fair and just. We call on all members to remain calm and united, and we are confident that the association will emerge stronger from this challenging period.”
The NEC resolved to maintain transparency and unity within PMAN. The association will actively oversee significant matters to prevent any lapses in communication or decision-making.
The NEC instructed the NWC to issue a press release to mitigate any further damage to the association’s public image.
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