PMAN Suspends National President Pretty Okafor, Appoints Sydney Sparrow on Acting Capacity
The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has announced the immediate suspension of its National President, Pretty Okafor, following an emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) which held virtually.
The decision, contained in a communiqué issued on December 25, 2025, was reached after the NEC deliberated on what it described as “pressing governance concerns” affecting the association.
Similarly, the governor of FCT Chapter of PMAN, Mr. Sydney Sparrow has been appointed the Acting President to avoid a leadership vacuum.
According to the Council, the suspension of Okafor takes effect immediately and will remain in force pending the outcome of a full investigation and disciplinary process.
In the communiqué, PMAN stated that the action became necessary due to persistent violations of the association’s constitution, abuse of office, disregard for due process, and actions deemed detrimental to the welfare, integrity, and credibility of the association.
Among the key reasons cited for the suspension is the unilateral appointment of officers. The NEC accused the President of appointing a “1st Vice President” and “2nd Vice President” without the required consultation, approval, or ratification of the Council, contrary to constitutional provisions.
Despite objections, the appointees were reportedly added to the NEC platform and allowed to participate in meetings.
The NEC also condemned the removal of the duly elected National Treasurer, who was allegedly excluded from the NEC platform for raising concerns over the auditing of PMAN’s accounts. The Council described this move as an attack on transparency and accountability.
Additionally, the communiqué pointed to the poor performance of the National Working Committee (NWC) under Okafor’s leadership, noting its failure to organize nationally recognized events such as the PMAN Music Awards, implement meaningful welfare programmes for musicians, and enforce regulatory standards within the industry.
The Council further accused the President of intolerance for dissenting opinions, saying his leadership style had stifled democratic participation, disrupted teamwork, and created a hostile working environment within the association.
Another major concern highlighted was a questionable Joint Venture agreement involving PMAN property in Abuja.
According to the NEC, the deal allegedly allocates 60 per cent to a developer, 30 per cent to PMAN, and an unexplained 10 per cent to an unknown company, raising red flags over transparency, possible conflict of interest, and financial misrepresentation.
As part of its resolutions, the NEC announced that all unilateral appointments made by the suspended President have been voided, the National Treasurer has been reinstated, and a forensic audit of PMAN accounts and recent Joint Venture agreements will be conducted.
PMAN urged its members nationwide to remain calm, stressing that the suspension is corrective rather than punitive, and reaffirmed its commitment to restoring transparency, accountability, and proper governance within the association.
The NEC emphasized that PMAN remains focused on protecting the interests of Nigerian musicians and upholding the constitution that guides the association
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