The founders of PMAN and those who wrote its constitution aimed to replicate the functions of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). The AFM negotiates fair agreements, protects ownership of recorded music, and secures benefits such as healthcare and pensions. PMAN could have served as a beacon of hope for musicians as they face the challenges of aging. For many years, however, PMAN, which should have served as a beacon of hope for Nigerian musicians, has been hindered by infighting since its inception.

It is well-established that PMAN, with its rich history and legacy, has long been linked with leaders who were accused of defrauding the Association. Over the years, the Association has witnessed the rise of individuals whose primary interest lies in exploiting PMAN for personal gains. While many Nigerian musicians continue to face poverty, a select few see the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) as their territory. They are willing to undermine the Association at any cost to control the activities of PMAN.

The battle for the soul of the Performing Musicians Employers Association (PMAN) has entered a new phase in recent years. Observers and music analysts argue that most leaders of PMAN, both past and present, lack integrity. They contend that pursuing profit from the brand has been a primary motivation for these individuals to take on leadership roles. Furthermore, no past PMAN president has been held accountable for financial mismanagement since its inception, leading many musicians to declare that enough is enough. The struggle for control of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) became entrenched in corruption, prompting numerous unproductive musicians and card-carrying members to explore opportunities to sell the Association to the highest bidder. Their priorities shifted from restoring order within PMAN to identifying potential allies who could facilitate a takeover and provide financial backing.

At the forefront of the ongoing battle for the soul of PMAN is Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli, who claims to be its founder and father. He insists to anyone who will listen that he is the legitimate President of PMAN. Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli has been accused of being a puppet for Charles Oputa, the individual who initially helped to elect his predecessor, Bolaji Rosiji. Allegations against him include redirecting all PMAN projects to his own company and selling part of the land allocated by the Federal Government of Nigeria to musicians to House on the Rock. He took out a loan of 5 million Naira and subsequently defaulted on the repayment, resulting in PMAN owing over 100 million Naira in interest to the bank. Additionally, he has been accused of diverting millions of Naira that had been allocated to the association by the Niger State Government. (It is important to note that these allegations have yet to be proven).

TeeMac denied leasing the land, and when I inquired about how he originally obtained the documents that were kept in the bank vault, he stated that the Inspector General of Police had ordered him to appear in Abuja with the documents. He claimed that the Inspector General of Police then handed the documents to the current President of PMAN, Pretty Okafor. Additionally, many members accuse veteran musician Oritz Wiliki, the President of the Musicians’ Collecting Society of Nigeria (MSCN), of conspiring with Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli concerning this land sale.

Only in 2022 did a sitting president and his executive team acquire a Secretariat and initiate several critical projects on behalf of the Association. Unfortunately, this acquisition incited outrage among members instead of bringing joy: “How dare they sell our land to buy us a house?

The current President of PMAN, Pretty Okafor, along with his executives, stated, “One of the past Presidents might have leased the land out. ” A church known as House on the Rock has been operating there for many years. But who granted House on the Rock the authority to establish a church on the land designated for Nigerian musicians? This crucial detail remains unresolved, and all parties involved have yet to address it. As they continue to infight and blame shift, the truth about who originally sold the land becomes increasingly obscured, and the chances of uncovering the responsible individuals continue to dwindle.
Additionally, the governors of the various PMAN chapters in Nigeria, representing the National Executive Committee of PMAN—the most influential power block within the organization—asserted that the sellers and negotiators lacked their mandate. The current President stated, “There was no NEC when the deal was sealed. I was operating under a court order”.

The question arises: How did Pretty Okafor emerge as the President of PMAN in 2014? What motivated this ascent? Was a desire for wealth and control over PMAN’s assets that led him to seek a consent judgment in court? It was reported that in 2014, during the turmoil at PMAN’s headquarters that caused the association to split into various factions, Dr. Kenny George, a lifelong PMAN member and executive, approached Pretty Okafor and instructed him on how to take over PMAN. Another significant figure in PMAN who facilitated Pretty Okafor’s takeover was Dr. Zimakoy. He recounted how Dr. Kenny George introduced Pretty Okafor to him, and he took all necessary measures to anoint him as the flag bearer of PMAN during that period of crisis. Both enablers claim that he chased them out once he (Pretty Okafor ) perfected the act of taking over PMAN and recognized the potential to earn millions of Naira from the association. Conversely, Pretty Okafor claimed that both men had ulterior motives. He maintained that their intentions revolved around financial gain and the belief that they could use him as a mere rubber stamp for their ambitions.

It was said that Pretty Okafor converted part of his office into PMAN’s secretariat and approached an industrial court, using the names of prominent Nigerian musicians to obtain what is referred to as a “consent judgment.” According to Sunny Neji, a veteran Nigerian musician who later teamed up with Pretty Okafor, he never sought their approval before using their names. Pretty Okafor was able to enlist notable Nigerian music stars like Zaaki Azzay, Ruggedman, and others. They indicated that Pretty Okafor brought them in as recognizable figures to gain credibility and recognition, asserting their presence was instrumental in facilitating whatever progress Pretty Okafor achieved.

Pretty Rolland Okafor’s leadership of the National Working Committee (NWC) of PMAN received a staggering 620 million Naira from House on the Rock for selling one acre of land that the Federal Government gifted to Nigerian musicians in 1989. While various PMAN leaders were aware of this land, they were not in a hurry to develop it or engage any developers or investors. It is reported that once Okafor received a judgment from the Industrial Court, he began using this ruling as leverage to pursue all of PMAN’s assets, focusing on the three acres of land in Abuja. Some members of his NWC claimed that it took months for them to learn about the land, while Okafor was aware of it from the beginning.

He even enlisted the help of the Inspector General of Police to summon Tee Mac and veteran reggae artist Oritz Williki to Abuja to produce the necessary documents. After obtaining the documents, he targeted House on the Rock, which occupied one of the three acres. Initially, he planned to demolish the building, but ultimately, House on the Rock approached him with a deal. In total, 620 million Naira was paid, but tensions arose soon after the funds were received.

According to Okafor, he initially offered his NWC members 10 million Naira each, but they rejected this amount. He then offered them 30 million Naira, which they accepted. When asked if they deserved the money, he affirmed that it was meant to cover their sitting allowances. Pretty Okafor said trouble ensued when they requested that he share the entire proceeds, a claim that all NWC members vehemently denied. Some members alleged that Okafor took 100 million Naira for his sitting allowance and that they had collectively agreed to purchase a secretariat for 135 million Naira. Additionally, they claimed that another 70 million Naira was spent on radio equipment without the necessary licensing.

They also alleged that a developer, currently constructing an estate on the remaining two acres, paid over 230 million Naira directly into Okafor’s bank account. According to the NWC members, Okafor sought to retain a substantial 30% cut from the entire deal, arguing that he facilitated it. This raised concerns among the NWC, as they felt that the asset sold rightfully belonged to PMAN rather than an external deal.

Due to these disagreements and related issues regarding his unilateral decision-making, Okafor began to operate independently. He would travel without informing his first Vice President or other NWC members, and his relationship with his Vice President deteriorated to the point where he made decisions without consulting anyone. This pattern of behavior extended to virtually all other members of his NWC.

According to Sunny Neji, Pretty Okafor stopped convening meetings of the National Working Committee (NWC) and effectively cut them off, running the secretariat as a one-man show. This situation created a toxic atmosphere that brought the NWC to a standstill.

The breaking point came when he took non-registered members of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) to Spain for the Rototom Sunsplash festival that sought the participation of the best Nigerian musicians. He allegedly collected money from nearly 30 individuals and secured visas for them to travel to Spain. Reports indicate that none of those he took with him, aside from his wife and son, returned. He is accused of engaging in human trafficking and visa racketeering, exploiting his position as PMAN’s President to obtain visas for those who paid him. The NWC decided to issue him a query, which he addressed, but ultimately, he was suspended from the association.

It is important to note that I have engaged in discussions with Pretty Okafor, Sunny Neji, Zaaki Azzay, Aita Bonny, Ruggedman, Asha Gangali, and others. Their statements are immutable, and no one can claim he was misquoted. (The links to Vote Notes). The responsibility now lies with Nigerian musicians, domestically and abroad, to discern who is truthful and who is lying. The issue at stake involves the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria Under Pretty Okafor’s regime, it seems that the most significant corruption scandal in the Association’s history is just beginning to unfold.

When I started addressing these issues, I anticipated attacks from various quarters. I was taken aback when Pretty Okafor, who had praised my efforts just a few days prior, resorted to instructing his lawyers to dig up dirt on me in hopes that something would stick. After his attorney’s attempts to tarnish my reputation failed, he directed the state chapters of PMAN—and those loyal to him—to report me to various police commands for alleged cyberbullying. I find it absurd to classify a quest for the truth as cyberbullying. I am a member of PMAN and a world-class musician who served the Association in various roles in the 1990s, and I possess every right to ask questions and seek the truth. Pretty Okafor’s efforts to undermine my op-ed speak volumes.

Since its formation, PMAN has been embroiled in one controversy after another, primarily concerning financial mismanagement. Some argue that he is being unfairly targeted as scrutiny increases on Pretty Rolland Okafor’s activities. His supporters contend that if an investigation is warranted, it should encompass all leadership, starting with the regime led by Tony Okoroji. However, critics argue that Okafor’s primary motive for accepting the leadership of PMAN through a court order—despite not being a card-carrying member—was greed and a desire to seize PMAN’s assets. They assert that he currently claims that the only property acquired from PMAN’s land was purchased with his commissions, and, having stated that PMAN owes him 350 million Naira, he might eventually claim that his funds were used to construct an estate for PMAN.

Aguike, also known as Allah Bama or Emma Agu, is an award-winning musician, music producer, businessman, and media personality. He is the President of US Global Media, LLC, located in Bayside, NYC

When you see this headline published on the 2nd September 2019, and shared over 17.4K times, out of curiosity, you are tempted to click the link to read the entire content. Nigerians being very familiar with Premium times.com, the first impression you get is that the popular and highly respected Premium Times based in Lagos -Nigeria is behind this screaming headline. Not so fast. Premiumtimenews.com is one of the publishing arms of IPOB /Radio Biafra London headed by ONE Nnamdi Kanu. Unfortunately, IPOB-Radio Biafra has a parody of every popular Nigerian digital media. Their followers barely notice the difference; hence, they share every news item that they deem promotes Biafra’s secession from Nigeria.

As for news lovers who have nothing to do with Biafra, headlines such as this will ultimately draw your attention. It is enormous, to say the least, that Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, wants ‘ Biafra to be the home of every Jew’. The author obviously copied and paste the entire post from a popular Jewish site. At no time did Benjamin Netanyuhu said what the caption implies. As a matter of fact, the Minister said during the Jewish Federation of North America general assembly that he wants ” Israel to be the home of every Jew. I don’t care if they’re Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, or completely secular.”

The publication :
“Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman addressed the closing session of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) General Assembly Wednesday in Tel
Under the headline ‘We Need to Talk’, this year’s JFNA General Assembly highlighted tensions between the State of Israel and American Jewish leaders.

Speaking Wednesday afternoon, Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed US-Israel ties, describing with satisfaction the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries he has observed since first entering politics in the 1980s.

There’s no question it’s gotten a lot stronger,” said Netanyahu,
citing polling over the years, showing an increase in overall support
for the Jewish state among the American public.

When you look at the numbers, it’s quite startling,” regarding Americans’ perceptions of the Jewish state.

The Israeli premier touted President Donald Trump’s decision to
relocate the US embassy to Jerusalem, calling the move a high-point in
US-Israel relations.
He did something unbelievable. This is something that we’ve dreamed about since the founding of Israel, and he did it.

I would say that the state of the American-Israeli relationship – the alliance, has never been stronger

But, Netanyahu added, Israel must work to expand outreach among
demographic groups where support for the Jewish state is weakest,
listing off “African Americans, Hispanics, young people

Things are never as good as you think – but they’re also never as bad as
you fear,” the Prime Minister continued, playing down perceptions of a
left-wing backlash against Israel and Zionism in the US

Turning to relations between Israel and the American Jewish
community, Netanyahu said he was working to promote the vision of Israel
as a ‘home for all Jews.
I want Israel to be the home of every Jew. I don’t care if they’re Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, or completely secular.
Netanyahu responded to claims from some in the American Jewish community
that his government’s stance on “core issues” of religion and state
were challenges to Israeli democracy.

The Prime Minister explained that his government’s policies on issues
like conversion to Judaism, recognition of the Reform Movement, the
Sabbath in the public sphere, and non-Orthodox prayer at the Western
Wall were part of a long-standing tradition in Israel politics of
dealing with religion-and-state issues piecemeal.

These policies are part of “slowly evolving arrangements,” said
Netanyahu, adding that the primary driver for change was “the evolution
of the Israeli electorate,” alluding to demographic changes and the
growth of the haredi population in Israel”.

As you can see, there was never a time during the Prime Minster’s speech he mentioned Biafra. The entire publication is not only misleading and ridiculously inaccurate; it is fake and false news! The publishers achieved their desired and targeted goals. The members who read and share this false news, have no way of verifying it. Sad.

A report on website Jamyco claims Pope Francis, the global leader of the Roman Catholic church, has endorsed the secession of south-east Nigeria as the independent country of Biafra.

Under the headline, “Just in: Pope Francis finally endorse Biafra”, the report claims the pope said the region’s secession would end conflict in the country. It’s been shared on Facebook and published on another website.

“The Christian leader worldwide, Pope Francis said that the killings in Nigeria is out of hand, many Christians have lost their lives in the name of religion and politics,” the article reads. 

“I suggest that the only way out of all these killings is to let Easterners go and become a nation, so that they can freely practice their Christianity. According to Biafra newspaper today, Pope said eastern region is a Christian Nation.”

Photo from 2018

A reverse image search on Yandex shows that the photo of Pope Francis used in the article has featured in many reports about the pontiff.

An article published on 3 December 2018 says the photo was taken two days earlier at a conference at the Vatican, the headquarters of the Catholic church in Rome, Italy. We didn’t find any earlier use of the photo on the internet.

Pope addressed Biafran activists in 2016

According to reports by the Vanguard newspaper, thousands of Biafran activists from Europe, Asia and the Americas visited Pope Francis at the Vatican in March 2016.

The pope reportedly addressed and prayed for them during his weekly Angelus address from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace in St Peter’s Square.

This is the only known mention of Biafra by Pope Francis. There is no evidence on the Vatican’s official website that the pope has made recent comments on Biafra or endorsed its secession. – Allwell Okpi 

08:17 | 14th March 2019 (GMT)A report by online news outlet Jamyco claims the governments of the United States and Russia have pledged to support the separation of south-eastern Nigeria to form the independent state of Biafra.

The report has been shared dozens of times by a number of Facebook pages, most of them supporters of Biafra. It includes a photo of US President Donald Trump with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

It says “US political expert, Michael Kerry” believes Biafra lost the 1967-1970 civil war because its then leader Chukwuemeka Ojukwu did not agree to a deal with Russia.

No ‘Michael Kerry’ found

It adds that the door is “still open” and the US and Russia are “ready” to help Biafra secede in exchange for its oil “for five years”, according to a “Biafran newspaper”.

A Google search couldn’t find a US political expert named Michael Kerry. The link on “Michael Kerry” in the report leads to another Jamyco article that claims the Chinese government is also backing Biafra.

The link on “Biafran newspaper” leads to yet another Jamyco story, this one saying Putin had endorsed Biafra.

A reverse image search shows the photo in the report was taken in July 2017, when Trump and Putin met at a G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany.

A search for “Biafra” in US Department of State press releases returns no results. And if the claim of US and Russian support for Biafra were true, it would be a serious diplomatic issue widely reported by mainstream international media. – Allwell Okpi (14/03/19)