Benue State Government has outlawed all parallel leadership structures and illegal youth factions, directing the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in the state to settle its protracted leadership crisis within one week.
State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity, Hon. Tiza Isaac Imojime Orya, issued the directive on Tuesday during a meeting with the warring PMAN groups.
The association has been split between the Fidel Shamel/Kpoku camp and the Robert Udende camp for years.
“I will not allow, under my watch, any form of illegal youth leadership in this state,” Orya declared, warning that factional practices will no longer be tolerated.
He explained that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s plans for the entertainment industry have been hampered by uncertainty over which PMAN leadership to engage.
Both factions were given seven days to reconcile through a peace process led by Ancestor Spit and report back to his office.
Orya emphasized that Benue must stop losing national opportunities due to disunity, insisting the government will only work with “genuine leaders with values.”
Stakeholders, including Alfa Bonny, Supersuccess, Kpoku PLC, Fabian Yaga, Fabian Nyamatsa, Fidel Shamel, and Robert Udende, admitted the rift had brought no benefits and pledged to embrace peace.
The Governor’s Principal Special Assistant on Youth and Student Affairs, Hon. Jacob Nevka, supported the warning, adding that the government could withdraw recognition from PMAN if the factions fail to comply.
Present and former PMAN leaders such as Bonase, Msendoo, Queen Pamela, Nyamgen Gabriel, Nick Thomson, Thompson Iber, Hon. Adah Anthony, Evang. Pupa Dish, Terver Aondoakaa, and Dolliz attended the meeting.
