OpenLife Nigeria reproduces a Pirate Confraternity statement signed by Abiola Owoaje, NAS Cap’n, distancing itself from being identified as a supporter of Labor’s Peter Obi and opposing the candidacy of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of All Progressives Congress to work , APC.
The explanation reads in full:
In the last 48 hours our attention has been drawn to a viral video of a song that has sparked concern and comment across Nigeria.
For clarification: Between 4th and 6th August 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, on Thursday, August 4th, we were at the Isheri Primary Health Center where we provided free medical services to the Isheri community.
Over 300 people have been assisted with various medical treatments.
We have also been to the Police Hospital, Area F, Ikeja where we have donated significant amounts of PPE and other medical supplies.
These were part of our NAS Medical Mission established in 2010.
In the 12 years since, we have organized over 50 free medical missions that have helped many disadvantaged communities across Nigeria.
Part of the AGM was a review of our overall advocacy, humanitarian and operational activities for the year.
This then culminated in the usual ceremonial procession, one aspect of this annual process that we have conducted for the past 46 years.
From our point of view, it all went without incident until this extremely limited video appeared.
Contrary to the manner in which certain aspects of the video are portrayed, no aspect of this procession or the event itself was political.
Rather, it was the typical high point of our AGM.
At no point in the history of this organization has this event occurred; or indeed any of our events had some weird political leanings.
Let it be known that the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) does not mock or discriminate against an individual’s physical condition.
Never! It’s an unfair characterization and an insult to everything we stand for.
Indeed, this would offend even our own members, who are sadly also concerned that this would never be condoned.
We must emphasize that we are non-political.
As an organization, we have never had a preferred candidate in any political election, including the upcoming 2023 general election.
We have members belonging to different political parties and are absolutely free to support any candidate of their choice.
It is very unfortunate that political capital is being made of this with interpretations totally at odds with the philosophy of the Brotherhood of the Pyrenees.
We unequivocally condemn this in the strongest terms.
We understand that political merchants, desperate for media miles, are everywhere misinforming and twisting events to fit their political agenda.
However, we wish to reiterate that the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) does not endorse or endorse any candidate for President or any other office in the 2023 general election and beyond.
As an organization in tune with disadvantaged and speechless people, we are committed to enthroning a just society where no one is discriminated against based on tribe, religion, gender or disability.
We are against conventions that are dying.
We have always stood for humanistic ideals, camaraderie and chivalry.
Nothing that has happened can and will change that attitude.
We are determined to continue using our social programs, intellectual platforms and our compelling songs to advocate for good governance and accountability!
