A semblance of peace returned to the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria last week. But it was shredded almost immediately
By Ernest Omoarelojie
On 13 June, the headquarters of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN, was agog with joy. Tee Mac Omatsola-Iseli, defacto president of the association, laughed ceaselessly as he chatted with Emma Ogosi and Ibezim Okeilo, aka Dr. Zimackoy, both prominent figures in the Admiral Dele Abiodun-led faction PMAN, who were present at the press conference held to announce the end of war between the two factions of the association.
“Nigeria has June 12, but June 13 belongs to PMAN. It is a great day,” said Omatsola-Itseli shortly after the peace deal was read by one of the committee members. To mark the presumed peace, one musician sang the Bob Marley classic, One Love, while another improvised a peace song. Two former presidents, Charles Oputa, aka Charly Boy, and Bolaji Rosiji, who resigned his appointment at the peak of the crisis last year, were also present. For many members of PMAN, the occasion represented the end of the protracted leadership squabble that pitted Tee Mac against Abiodun since 2005. Again, it restored the association’s right to the Nigerian Music Awards, NMA, exercised in the last two years by former president Tony Okoroji, as a result of the leadership crisis. An elated Zimokoy said: “A day like this would remain fresh and memorable in the history of our great union, PMAN. Today is the climax of our realisation that to jaw jaw is better than to war war. The war in PMAN is over.”But in a text message sent to some of the invited journalists, leaders and members of the association, Abiodun punctured Zimakoy’s optimism, branding the conference a sham. The factional president said it failed to address issues vital to true reconciliation. “I will not attend any press conference until the terms of settlements are spelt out, typed and signed by all parties. I suspect foul play. All my elected officers and General Secretary should steer clear of the Satanic conference until the right thing is done. Only my signature as president can give authority to the so-called peace initiative,” the text read.Abiodun said he supported the idea of a peace initiative when Tee Mac broached it a few months earlier. He also said he suggested the setting up of a committee to work out modalities for reconciliation. This suggestion, he explained, led to the formation of a four-man committee, comprising two members from each of the factions. Problems, he said, manifested when he demanded that as part of the reconciliatory process, there must be a meeting between himself and Tee Mac. For reasons he did not give, the request was turned down.
Abiodun also disclosed that when the issue of a press conference finally came up, he dismissed it, insisting that the most appropriate step is for the committee to produce a document that spells the terms for reconciliation and roles of individual members of each faction. This request was also turned down, a reason for which Abiodun believes Tee Mac was up to a game. “I am not against any move to restore peace in PMAN. But a press conference should not be the first step. What will I be there to tell anybody who wants to know the terms of agreement? What will I tell my members and state chapters? Will I not look stupid to be in front of journalists and not know exactly what we are calling a press conference for? I am the president and I would be stupid indeed to be taken for a ride by anyone at this point in time. I think they are up to something sinister, but whatever it is, they will fail,” Abiodun declared.
While Tee Mac agreed that the terms need to be documented, he insisted such a document will have to wait until executive members of the association convene for a close-door meeting. “We are aware that such a document is very important. We organised the press conference just to let those who are of the opinion that peace will never return to PMAN know that we are capable of handling our problem. The peace document will be taken care of when we have further meetings because it is not supposed to be for public consumption, at least, for now,” Tee Mac said.
But those assurances do not convince Abiodun, who believes that some members of the opposing faction are seeking a short cut to an out-of-court settlement. A court will rule on the dispute on 15 July. For that reason, Abiodun posits, Tee Mac, propped by Charly Boy, bought over members of his faction like the 2nd Vice President, Zimakoy. He said he got a text message from Zimakoy on 16 June, saying he was still on the side of Abiodun despite the turn of events. “Sir, we are still together. That the MoU was not signed before the conference does not mean it will be signed again. Please, come over and let us put our heads together to move the union ahead. You must be part of the N89 million from the government for Sonny Okosuns through PMAN,” Zimakoy’s text read.
For now, talks about taking the NMA from Okoroji have stalled. Currently, neither of the factions is sound enough to take on the NMA. Tee Mac told this medium that talks are already on between his group and Okoroji over the need for the latter to stop organising the awards since PMAN is now a united house. But Abiodun dismissed Tee Mac’s position as that of a domestic servant creating the impression her voice represents that of the home owner. Abiodun insisted that Okoroji no longer has the permission he got to stage the last two editions. The reason, according to him, is that Okoroji betrayed the terms he agreed to before he got the nod to organise NMA. A court had asked Okoroji to pay N10 million to the association after organising the first show. Okoroji, alleged Abiodun, never did. To stage the second edition, he begged for forgiveness, promising to redeem the pledge after the 2008 edition. As at the time of going to press, Okoroji had not paid any money. “Okoroji will never organise NMA again. He betrayed every agreement reached with the court. We were not even acknowledged at the event and I can tell you, he has not even shown up to explain what happened or pay our fee,” Abiodun explained.
adeoye (uk)
22 August 2008 19:02I do not see any reason why musicians need to conduct election to run their affairs in the first place. Free money and tax free loot is at the root of the whole problem, the time and enrgy meant to be focused on creativity is being spent on politics, back stabbing and malicious scheming among PMAN members.
I will susggest that PMAN and allied associations should be disbanded immediately, a board of trustees should be set up comprising musicians on no fee, no salary, no commision nor any pecuniary benefit , such board of trustees should have power to provide guideline on the whole aspect management of music from administration to marketing, welfare of musicians, maitenance of standards and allied matters. I repeat no salary shall be payable to any member of the board, it must must be by appointment for a fixed period of one term.
This is to me is the fastest way to resolve this problems, musicians have no business managing PMAN, they should concentrate on their core profesion.
The Board should have power to recruit administrative staff who shall be paid salary, the set objectives of such emloyees shall be laid down by the board. No musician shall be an employee abd the books of the association must be audited periocally.
Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli PMAN President
14 November 2008 (2 weeks ago) 15:28Dear Adeoye;
It seems you have no idea of the structure of PMAN. We have a board of Trustee, we have executives and employed workers, such as accountants, secretaries, cleaners, security staff. We have a top auditing company, Akintola Williams auditing our books. Also for your information as President of PMAN I have no salary and no enumerations. Even all foreign trips to meet with other African Union leaders or as in October the FIM (Federation of all Musician Unions) meeting in South Africa was paid out of my pockets. I agree that the executives should be educated and that’s why I surround myself with technocrats. I have a degree in Economics, my vice president is a professional Engineer, my treasurer Ayo Bankole has an University degree. So kindly before criticizing get more information about the subject. Regards Tee Mac