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BATTLE FOR COSON: PMAN joins in

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2019: Tony Okoroji doesn't represent creative industry, vote candidates that can fix sector, PMAN warns

The Performing Musicians Association on Nigeria (PMAN) has thrown its support behind embattled founder and chief executive officer of Now Muzik Ltd, Efe Omoregbe in his battle for the leadership of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) with Tony Okoroji.

In a statement signed by the President of PMAN, Pretty Okafor, the music body said Okoroji’s actions over the last few days seem to suggest that he would rather destroy COSON than accept the reality of his sack.

The statement by PMAN reads in part; “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.

Read also: BATTLE FOR COSON: 2face manager paraded in court for forgery

“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 Nigerian’s should support,” the statement added.

Recall that Omorogbe and one Joel Ajayi were both detained and later released after they were paraded before Magistrate O.O.Oshin of Igbosere Magistrate 1 in a case with file A/29/2018 between the Commissioner of Police vs Efe Omorogbe and Joel Ajayi.

Trouble started when Omorogbe who is also a Co-Founder and Director of 960 Music Group was announced to have been appointed as the new Chairman of COSON on the 7th of December, 2017.

Reports say Omorogbe was appointed as the new Chairman after thorough deliberations by members of the COSON Board which lasted several hours at the COSON House.

However, drama ensued two weeks later when Tony Okoroji was theatrically installed again to lead the society by members of COSON who said they wanted him to continue his leadership.

Okoroji said the initial move to replace him with Omoregbe was bizarre and a conspiracy.

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