Hold up, music lovers! You might have heard some whispers about Mr. Pretty Okafor, the president of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), being suspended. Well, PMAN is here to set the record straight, loud and clear! They’ve shut down those rumors faster than a mic drop, calling the whole thing fake news and totally unconstitutional. This whole saga seems to be a messy mix of internal politics and some serious shady dealings involving property. Let’s break down what’s really going on!
PMAN Slams ‘Fake News’ on Okafor Suspension
PMAN has officially come out swinging, denying any suspension of its president, Mr. Pretty Okafor. In a strongly worded statement from their national secretariat in Lagos, the union declared that any claims of Okafor’s suspension are not only false but also a direct violation of their constitution. They’ve made it crystal clear: Mr. Okafor is still the boss, fully recognized by the law and the courts.
The Alleged NEC Meeting: A Ghostly Gathering?
Reports surfaced suggesting that a group of members held a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on December 25, 2025, where they supposedly suspended Mr. Okafor. However, PMAN is calling BS on this. According to Barrister Elizabeth Gabriel, the Acting General Secretary, this meeting never happened according to PMAN’s rules. She highlighted that calling an NEC meeting requires specific procedures – like the General Secretary consulting with the president, giving proper notice, and sharing an agenda. None of that happened, making the supposed meeting and its decisions completely invalid.
Court Order is King!
To add more weight to their claims, PMAN is pointing to a crucial court order from the National Industrial Court in Lagos, dated October 30, 2025. This order specifically restrains certain individuals from messing with PMAN’s assets or trying to change the leadership while a lawsuit is ongoing. It also stops the Registrar of Trade Unions from recognizing any dodgy leadership changes. So, any attempt to suspend Mr. Okafor is basically sticking a finger in the eye of the court!
The Real Drama: Property Woes and Alleged Fraud
So, why all this fuss? PMAN believes the leadership drama is a smokescreen for something much bigger: a dispute over the union’s property in Monaco, Abuja. Apparently, a former developer, Mr. Olusco, is at the heart of the trouble. PMAN alleges that Mr. Olusco has been involved in:
- Unlawfully selling off parts of PMAN’s property.
- Entering into fraudulent agreements using the union’s land without permission.
- Inducing a company into a joint venture deal that resulted in a ₦350 million payment, which is now under police investigation for obtaining under false pretenses and criminal breach of trust.
The police have reportedly found a strong case, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is now on the scene, looking into Mr. Olusco and the property transactions. PMAN thinks this leadership squabble is just a distraction to mess with these investigations.
PMAN’s Message to Musicians and Authorities
The union is urging all musicians, both in Nigeria and abroad, to stay calm and not be fooled by people making noise on TV and social media. They emphasize that Mr. Okafor is the one and only legitimate leader, backed by the constitution and a court order. PMAN also appealed to law enforcement and the courts to do their jobs without any interference, making it clear that they won’t be derailed by misinformation and unlawful actions.
It’s a tangled web, for sure, but PMAN is standing firm, protecting its leadership and, hopefully, its assets. Let’s hope the law takes its course and the truth about the property issues comes out!
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