The full Board of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Nigeria’s biggest copyright collective management organization, this Tuesday, August 12, 2025, rose from an intensive meeting at the Boardroom of the magnificent COSON House in Ikeja, determined to ensure the continued stability, progress and success of the organization and the respect for the rights of its members across Nigeria
One of the many important decisions taken by the meeting was the resolution to declare “total war” on the government of Cross River State for its failure or refusal to pay a debt of 500 million Naira awarded to COSON against the state government by the Federal High Court since 2018 which judgment the state government appealed against and still lost to COSON.
Observed the Board meeting: “the Cross River State Government is displaying the kind of recklessness and lawlessness a democratically elected government should never contemplate. We are not asking Governor Bassey Otu for a gift or a grant. We are asking him to obey court orders. We have followed due process. He is not above the law and has a duty to obey the Orders of two of Nigeria’s most prominent courts, the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.
“We have been very patient. We have members in Cross River State and friends from the state who had appealed to us to give the government some time. We have given the governor enough time. We have waited and waited and can no longer wait. Our members are hungry and suffering. The money has significantly lost value. It is clear that our patience has been interpreted as impotence. We have even been informed that the Governor has suggested that since the initial judgment was delivered before he took office, he is under no obligation to pay. With all due respect that is juvenile and pathetic.
“Those who know the governor should tell him that COSON is not impotent. We have never been. Our records show that we know how to fight for our rights. If he wants a fight with us, he will get it in many directions. All we are asking him to do is simple: Obey the Order of Court.
At the meeting, the Board also resolved to express its appreciation to the many persons, including staff, artistes, pastors, designers, technicians, events managers, journalists, bloggers, speakers and guests who contributed their time and talents to making the unforgettable COSON Week 2025 the huge success that it became. The board reiterated the pride of COSON in the fact that none of the eight events scheduled over a seven-day period, was cancelled or postponed and that each event was delivered with absolute panache and professionalism.
The Board at the meeting, approved the application of COSON’s iconic General-Manager, Mrs. Bernice Eriemeghe Ashibuogwu, to proceed on terminal leave at the end of August, prior to her retirement. The Board thanked her for her extra-ordinary contribution to the growth and stability of COSON and approved a scheme for her to continue to play an important role in the activities of the society as a retained consultant, following her retirement as General Manager.
The COSON Board resolved that from September 1, which will once again be celebrated as “No Music Day”, Mr Vincent Adawaisi, the COSON Deputy General Manager will be Acting General Manager until further notice.
Present at the Board meeting presided over by COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, were Gospel music minister, Kenny Saint Brown; Ace-drummer and producer, Richard Ayodele Cole; Reggae gospel star, Righteousman Erhabor; Producer and TV host, Nimyel Nansel, better known as Zdon Paporella; Vivacious performer and first daughter of the legendary Ras Kimono, Oge Kimono and well-known Enugu based music toaster and publisher, Sir Angus Power Nwangwu.
Also present were Abuja based music publisher and war horse of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria (CCRN), Chief Uche Emeka Paul, Gospel Music Minister, Evangelist Olusegun Omoyayi; National President of Music Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (MUPMAN), Engr Sharon Esco Wilson, COSON General Manager, Mrs. Bernice Eriemeghe Ashibuogwu and COSON Deputy General Manager, Mr Vincent Adawaisi.
Showbiz Impresario, Koffi Idowu Nuel, also known as Koffi Tha Guru, joined the Board meeting from the US, via Zoom. Afro Juju Maestro, Sir Shina Peters, who was recording in London, engaged the meeting on the Board platform.
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