To prevent a leadership vacuum, Mr. Sydney Sparrow, Governor of PMAN’s FCT Chapter, has been appointed Acting President while a full investigation and disciplinary process are conducted.
According to the NEC, the suspension is necessary due to what it described as persistent violations of PMAN’s constitution, abuse of office, disregard for due process, and actions undermining the welfare, integrity, and credibility of the association.
A central issue cited was the unilateral appointment of key officers. The NEC accused Okafor of appointing a “First Vice President” and “Second Vice President” without the required consultation or approval, contravening constitutional provisions. Despite objections, these appointees were reportedly added to NEC meetings and allowed to participate, a move the Council criticized as undemocratic.
The NEC also condemned the removal of the duly elected National Treasurer, who had raised concerns over the auditing of PMAN’s accounts. The Council described the exclusion as an attack on transparency and accountability.
Other points of concern included the underperformance of the National Working Committee under Okafor’s leadership. The NEC cited the failure to organise nationally recognised events, such as the PMAN Music Awards, implement welfare programmes for musicians, or enforce regulatory standards within the industry.
The Council further highlighted issues with leadership style, accusing Okafor of intolerance toward dissent, stifling democratic participation, undermining teamwork, and creating a hostile working environment.
A controversial Joint Venture agreement involving PMAN property in Abuja was also flagged. The NEC stated that the deal allocates 60% to a developer, 30% to PMAN, and an unexplained 10% to an unknown company, raising concerns about transparency, potential conflicts of interest, and financial misrepresentation.
As part of its resolutions, the NEC nullified all unilateral appointments made by the suspended President, reinstated the National Treasurer, and approved a forensic audit of PMAN’s accounts and recent Joint Venture agreements.
The association urged members nationwide to remain calm, stressing that the suspension is corrective rather than punitive. The NEC reaffirmed PMAN’s commitment to restoring transparency, accountability, and proper governance while safeguarding the interests of Nigerian musicians and upholding the association’s constitution.