National Association of Seadogs (NAS) has distances itself from the viral video of its members being circulated over the social media mocking the APC presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, says it’s an unfair characterisation.
The song was in reference to Sen. Tinubu’s public assertion in Abeokuta last June, where he informed members of his party that “Emi Lokan” (it is my turn to be president).
The co-founder of the Pyrates Confraternity, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka in an interim statement on Monday, has described the viral video as “distasteful”.
The group leader of Pyrates Confraternity, Abiola Owoaje in a press conference in Lagos on Monday tagged ‘unfair characterisation’ has said that they do not have any political affiliation or support any political candidate.
This press conference became necessary as criticisms rain over the video of its members dressed in their usual red and white was circulated all over the social media mocking a political presidential candidate whose “hands are shaking, yet he’s saying it’s my turn”.
‘Unfair characterisation’
“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 were in Ikeja, Lagos, for our 46th Annual General Meeting,” Mr Owoaje began at the press conference, where he said he would not be fielding questions from the reporters.
“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 Isheri Primary Health Centre on Thursday the 4th of 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 at Area F, Ikeja, where we donated substantial quantities of personal protective equipment and other medical supplies. This is part of our NAS medical mission, which was founded in 2012.
“In the 11 years since then, we have organised over 50 free medical missions that have made a difference to many disadvantaged communities across Nigeria.”
He said their AGM, which typically includes briefing the media about the group’s advocacy, humanitarian, and operational activities for the year, “proceeded without event until this extremely limited video made its 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 a typical climax of our annual general meeting.
“At no time in the history of this organisation has this event or indeed any of our events has 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.
“It is an unfair characterisation and offends everything that we stand for. Indeed, this could cause offence to even our own members that are also unfortunately afflicted that this would never be condoned.
“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.”