The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has taken a significant step by suspending its president, veteran singer Pretty Okafor, over multiple offences. The late singers Christy Essien-Igbokwe and Sunny Okosun founded PMAN in 1984 to guide, protect and promote the interests of musicians in Nigeria. PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr Okafor became PMAN President in October 2016 and was re-elected in October 2023.
Mr Okafor was one half of the music duo Junior and Pretty, who dominated the Nigerian music scene in the 1990s with their unique rap style. Okechukwu Azike, A.K.
A. Junior, died on 2 February 2005 due to injuries sustained in a power bike accident. PWAN, in a statement posted on its official Instagram page on Friday, said Mr Okafor was suspended for actions deemed unconstitutional and alleged financial misconduct.
The statement signed by NWC partly reads: “Mr Okafor admitted to unconstitutionally involving non-members of the NWC in an international trip, which was intended exclusively for 32 members of PMAN, including the executive committee. “He facilitated the issuance of counterfeit PMAN ID cards and false cover letters, misrepresenting these individuals as PMAN members and executives, thereby enabling their attendance at the ROTOTOM Reggae Sunsplash in Benicàssim, Spain.” PREMIUM TIMES delivers fact-based journalism for Nigerians, by Nigerians — and our community of supporters, the readers who don.