Performing Musicians Employer’s Association, PMAN, has thrown its hat into the ring of leadership tussle between Efe Omorogbe and Tony Okoroji.
Recall that for sometime now, the above duo have been at each other to who the substantive chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria is despite an overwhelming election which recognised the former.
PMAN has therefore called on Okoroji to back down especially since he was sacked based on accusation of financial impropriety.
Find below the release.
RE: COSON MEMBERS IN EDO STATE DENOUNCE EFE OMOROGBE AND THREATEN TO REPORT HIM TO THE OBA OF BENIN.
The attention of Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of NIGERIA PMAN, has been drawn to the above titled statement addressed to Efe Omorogbe, respected writer/composer, label executive, publisher, talent manager and chairman of the management board of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON).
Our knowledge of the history and facts of the matter makes it imperative for us to issue a statement for the benefit of those who may have been misinformed.
Okoroji was sacked based on alleged infractions. These infractions were highlighted by respected members of COSON via a petition to the Nigeria Copyright Commission.
Okoroji who was sacked for his failure to satisfactorily defend questions on financial impropriety, unethical conduct and high-handedness, plotted a reinstatement that was declared illegal by the regulator, the Nigeria Copyright Commission.
Contrary to the story being sold to unsuspecting right owners and members of the public, it is Okoroji, his co- accused and their agents that have refused to comply with the directive of the regulator and are therefore, putting the society at risk.
Okoroji’s actions over the last few days seem to suggest that he would rather destroy COSON than accept the reality of his sack.
Going by the obvious fact that Efe Omorogbe and 5 other board members have repeatedly called for a full forensic audit of COSON account and operations and Okoroji’s obvious and continued position is to resist the audit and dodge the issues, Efe Omorogbe’s fearless insistence on accountability is something all industry stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians should support and all Edo sons and daughters should be extremely proud of.
Distortion of facts, deliberate misleading of stakeholders and empty promises of positions on a non-existent COSON Edo Chapter exco does not represent respect for the Edo people.
It is also hard to see how personal visitation to friends, self serving public relations stunts and hang outs with agents/ co – mischief makers probably paid for by COSON translate to contribution to the growth of music and entertainment business in Edo State.
Okoroji and his agents should do their best to maintain their futile run away from probe but should spare the good people of Edo State the insult of their warped logic.
Okoroji and his agents should also be advised to keep the revered name of the Oba of Benin out of their
condemnable and doomed struggle to subvert justice.Nothing will stop #AuditCOSON. And when the facts are established, nothing will stop the prosecution of everyone found complicit.
Signed:
Pretty Okafor
PMAN PRESIDENT
