The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has decried the interpretation given to its chant in which its members were heard using derogatory words on a presidential candidate of a political party in the 2023 election.
It insisted that the chant had no political undertone.
In the video which has gone viral on social media, some members of the group dressed in red and white attire could be seen yelling out critical remarks.
The group chanted: “Baba wey no well e dey shout emi lo kan (Baba that is sick is saying it’s his turn)”, and “hand dey shake (a hand that shakes)”.
‘Emi lo kan’, is a catchphrase attributed to Tinubu who had said it was his turn to be president.
Prof. Wole Soyinka, who is a founding father of the secret group, distanced himself, after describing the group’s action as “distasteful and appalling.”
He said although, he does not dictate political choices and decisions to the confraternity, “the display acidly targets a presidential candidate in the awaited 2023 elections”, and warned that it would have unpredictable consequences.
“My attention has been drawn to a video clip making internet rounds, of a dancing and chanting group, in red and white costume, purportedly members of the Pyrates Confraternity. The display acidly targets a presidential candidate in the awaited 2023 elections. Since the whole world knows of my connection with that fraternity, it is essential that I state in clear, unambiguous terms, that I am not involved in that public performance, nor in any way associated with the sentiments expressed in the songs,” Soyinka dad said on Monday.
However, reacting to video, NAS in a statement, “Setting the Records Straight,” said the chant was misrepresented by political jobbers.
The statement read: “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 organised over 50 free medical missions that has made a difference to 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 organisation 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 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.
“We must stress that we are apolitical. As an organisation, 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 reemphasise that the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) are 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 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!”
Abiola Owoaje
NAS Cap’n
8th August, 2022
