PMAN NEC Holds Off Pretty Okafor’s Suspension Pending Full Review

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has convened an emergency meeting on 23 August to discuss the recent suspension of Mr. Pretty Okafor, the President of PMAN, by the National Working Committee (NWC).

After a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the suspension, the allegations made against Mr. Pretty Okafor, and his subsequent appeal, the NEC has resolved to take the following actions:

1: The NEC directs the National Working Committee (NWC) to maintain the status quo regarding the suspension of Mr. Pretty Okafor’s and the Chapter Governors/Sole Administrators. No further actions should be taken by the NWC concerning these suspensions until a full hearing is conducted in accordance with the PMAN Constitution.

2: In accordance with Article 13 (C) (ii) of the PMAN Constitution, the National Executive Council is empowered to appoint a Chairman and four (4) other persons to form a National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) for PMAN. The NDC shall then consider allegations of misconduct and breach of the PMAN Constitution or the Code of Conduct by a Member as may be referred to it from time to time by the NWC.

3: The Constitution provides that NDC shall have the power to summon any Member of the Association to appear before it in relation to any allegation of misconduct and breach of the provisions of the Constitution or the Code of Conduct being investigated by it.

4 The PMAN Constitution further provides that the disciplinary committee shall:

(i) take into consideration any submissions made by the member in connection with the allegation being investigated by it;

(ii) where it deems necessary, review documents and interview the complainant, the relevant member and their witnesses;

(iii) observe the rules of natural justice in its proceeding; and

(iv) Make such recommendations as it deems appropriate to the National Working Committee in respect of the complaint within the period specified by the National Working Committee for determining the complaint.