…’We’re apolitical, not in support of any candidate’
…restates commitment to good governance, accountability
BENJAMIN OMOIKE
The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), has debunked supporting any candidate for office of the President or any other office in the 2023 general elections with the viral video song by its members taken out of context.
The NAS CAP’N, Abiola Owoaje, at a media briefing, in Lagos, stated that contrary to the manner with which certain aspects of the video were being portrayed, no aspect of the procession or the event itself was political. Rather, it was the typical climax of the association’s annual general meeting.
He said: “The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), does not mock or discriminate against the physical condition of any person. Never, It is an unfair characterisation and offends everything that we stand for. Indeed, this would cause offence to even our own members that are also, unfortunately, afflicted- that this would never be condoned.
”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.”
He further emphasised that the organisation is apolitical and has never had a preferred candidate in any political elections – including the upcoming 2023 general elections – with members belonging to different political parties, with freedom to support any candidate of their choice.
“As an organisation 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 programmes, intellectual platforms and our compelling songs to advocate for good governance and accountability,” he added.
Owoaje noted that, between August 4 and August 6, 2022, NAS was in Ikeja, Lagos, for the 46th Annual General Meeting, attended by over 2,000 members who came to Lagos from all over the world, and as part of the activities, the association were at the Isheri Primary Health Centre on Thursday 4th August, where provision of free medical services were given to Isheri Community.
“Over 300 people were assisted with various forms of medical treatment, at the Police Hospital, Area F, Ikeja, 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 organised over 50 free medical missions that has made a difference to many disadvantaged communities across Nigeria,” he noted.
