9th August, 2022
The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) said the brotherhood does not mock or discriminate against the physical condition of any person.
The leader of the organization, NAS Cap’n, Mr.Abiola Owoaje, made the clarification on Monday after the confraternity was alleged to have gyrated to an anti-Tinubu song during a procession between August 4 and August 6.
Owoaje, however, noted that the songs rendered during the gyration were targeted at good governance, accountability, and not anyone.
Speaking to journalists at a press conference, he noted that no aspect of the group’s procession was political.
He added that Pyrates have no preferred candidate in 2023 and urged political merchants to desist from twisting the activities of the confraternity to suit their political agenda.
Owoaje said: “In the last 48 hours, our attention has been drawn to a viral video of a song that has raised concerns and commentary across Nigeria.
“For the avoidance of doubt, between August 4 and August 6 2022, the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) was in Ikeja, Lagos, for our 46th Annual General Meeting. This event was attended by over 2,000 of our members who came to Lagos from all over the world.
“As part of the activities, we were at the Isheri Primary Health Centre on Thursday 4th August, where we provided free medical services to the Isheri Community. Over 300 people were assisted with various forms of medical treatment. We were also at the Police Hospital, Area F, Ikeja, where we donated substantial quantities of PPEs and other medical supplies.
“These were part of our NAS Medical Mission which was founded in 2012. In the 11 years since then, we have organized over 50 free medical missions that have made a difference in many disadvantaged communities across Nigeria.
“Part of the annual general meeting was the review of all our advocacy, humanitarian and operational activities for the year. This, then, as usual, culminated in a celebratory procession. An aspect of this yearly process that we have undertaken for the last 46 years. In our view, it proceeded without event, until this extremely limited video made this appearance.
“Quite contrary to the manner in which certain aspects of the video are being portrayed, no aspect of this procession or the event itself was political. Rather it was the typical climax of our annual general meeting. At no time in the history of this organization has this event, or indeed any of our events had any slanted political leanings.
“Let it be known that the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) does not mock or discriminate against the physical condition of any person. Never. It is an unfair characterization and offends everything that we stand for. Indeed, this would cause offense to even our own members that are also, unfortunately, afflicted that this would never be condoned.
“We must stress that we are apolitical. As an organization, we have never had a preferred candidate in any political elections including the upcoming 2023 general elections. We have members who belong to different political parties and are absolutely free to support any candidate of their choice.
“It is most unfortunate that political capital is being made of this with interpretations that are totally at variance with the philosophy of the Pyrates Confraternity. Unequivocally, we condemn this in very strong terms.
“We understand that political merchants desperately seeking media mileage are all over the place misinforming and twisting events to suit their political agenda. However, we wish to reemphasize that the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) is not supporting or backing any candidate for the office of the President or any other office in the 2023 general elections and beyond.
“As an organization in tune with disadvantaged and voiceless people, we are committed to the enthronement of a just society in which no one is discriminated against based on tribe, religion, gender or disability. We are against conventions that are moribund. We have always stood for Humanistic ideals, comradeship, and chivalry. Nothing that has happened can and will change that posture.
“We are determined to continue to use our social programs, intellectual platforms, and our compelling songs to advocate for good governance and accountability”