PMAN Strives To Rebuild After 13 Years In Limbo
His joy emanated from........... the fact that the reason for his gesture, 31 years ago was about being fulfilled; that of making the union a resp
ected association that members would be proud to call their own, adding that this had remained almost a fleeting illusion to be achieved since the Chief Tony Okoroji’s golden era
Same scenario was replicated in Warri with Tony and Emman Buddy Grey; Awka with Morrocco and Oturkpo, where Bongos Ikwue took almost two hours to educate the team on how to ensure a better and well positioned union. The situation was not different in Port Harcourt as both the elders led by King Sunny Brown and Arthur Pepple-led Caretaker committee of the State Chapter were on hand to endorse the committee’s efforts at Ben Harry Hotel, as well as discussing the way forward.
Barr Luciano-Gabriel in his speech had regretted a situation where PMAN has no data base for members, no structure of any kind and no fund to run the union, just as the logo and the constitution has remained the same since inception.
He said, “The union has lost respect from both members and larger members of the country, while union of pepper sellers and vulcanizers are thriving. One wonders what people are looking for in a union that has no dime and a befitting secretariat.
It was a rewarding day as the team spent almost three hours with Uwaifo. In his welcome address, Uwaifo said: “I am very sure that this committee is focused, and I declare my total support and will provide necessary assistance to the committee. It is a good idea for the efforts and energy put into the peace process to rescue PMAN from going abysmal. I commend the team and promise to be in touch with other elders.”
He particularly asked for the opinion of Chief Ebenezer Obey and King Sunny Ade, and was told that Chief Obey has been contacted, but on a trip abroad for medical checks, and he promised to receive the committee when he returns. KSA has not replied yet.
Uwaifo also called on the chairman of the state chapter, Richard Okhowin, whose team was at the meeting, to work with the Luciano team. Uwaifo who heads the elders’ forum in Edo State said Benin chapter is at peace. Also in attendance were Alhaji Waziri Oshomah, and Okuoimose Okuoimose (ex-PMAN national secretary).
The team’s next port of call was at Warri the next day with both Tony and Emma Gray respectfully. Emma Gray, Chairman of Delta State chapter of PMAN, in his address expressed regret on the failure of the union, which he placed on the inability of the union’s national leadership to meet its obligations. He bemoaned a situation where anybody assumes membership without clear cut criteria, unlike what is obtainable in other labour unions.
He however, advised that, “The issue of Hadjia Dangaji should be looked into as part of the problem and that it should be down played as much as possible. For me the love and unity of PMAN is the only way out.”
Tony Grey on his part was full of appreciation. For the Ozzimba king, who is number 19 member of the union, “PMAN has been trampled on the ground and this is the time to raise it up… My regret is that almost all past president forgot so soon the reason for being elected. Only Okoroji brought a face to the union. Greed has denied Nigerian musicians of greater success. PMAN should learn a few lessons from COSON.” He further advised on the need to avoid giving the devil further opportunities by working closely to achieve greater success.
At Awka in Anambra State, it was same song of uhuru as Morrocco Maduka, leader of the South East Elders’ forum couldn’t hold back his joy when the team visited his resident. After listening to Mike Okri who explained the mission and vision of the committee, he declared his total support and promised to mobilize the entire zone to work with the team.
He said, “I had some bias before your arrival as I was informed that the team’s mission was to install sole administrators in South East… I promised to speak on behalf of this team at the South East meeting on August 14. As a mark of his appreciation, Morrocco who said he preferred to see the team as a peace committee rather than a caretaker committee, gave a bottle of Moet to the president. The team bid farewell to Morrocco Maduka at about 4.40 pm and departed about 6pm, then an hour 45 minutes with Bongos Ikwe who elaborated on the need for a professionally run union..
The team narrowly escaped death at Ugbokolo, a town very close to Oturkpo as one of their vehicles sank in the middle of nowhere at about 12 midnight. When the team finally arrived at Oturkpo they drove to Bongos’ Double K Hotel where they had an almost two hours of lecture on how to run a successful union. Bongos Ikwe who had after hosting the team to a buffet, and a tour of his hi-tech studio, enquired about the team’s aims and objectives.
He started by asking for an explanation on the original aim of PMAN, which the president took time to explain as a voice for Nigerian musicians. Bongos further asked, “Who is a member, and what happens to a musician who refuses to join or obey the constitution?”
He stated that, “Unless the union is owned and driven as a business concern, even if government gives billions to PMAN individuals will continue to fight. If I may ask, what is the mandate of elders who has no idea about the sharing formula as the union has none? You should bring members together, and the constitution, which must protect all members, must determine how PMAN funds are disbursed.”
After the inquest he brought smiles to the faces of the team when he said, “If I do not support the committee I won’t have welcomed you here. I had refused to be a member of the union since inception unless it is run by professionals and sold like a commodity. There should be a situation whereby the union is run by a general manager,” adding that, “I should be seen as number one friend of this committee in view of my clear stand and advise.”
His parting words: “What I want you to do is to get the stage ready for us to perform all the days of our lives. We shall meet more often and discuss together so as to enable us have a PMAN that we will be proud of.”
Not only where members accommodated in a decent hotel where they were treated to breakfast buffet before departing for Rivers State by 12noon. At the meeting with Bongos Ikwe were PMAN State chairmen of Katsina, Benue and Kogi.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday, the show of love continued as King Sunny Brown, Tony Odili (Rex Lawson’s band members) Arthur Pepple (Jnr), Bobby Say, threw their total support for the committee. They all defy the heavy security situation in the state to meet with the committee.
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