Trending Video: Pyrates Confraternity takes U-Turn, Denies Mocking Tinubu

Image: NewsNgr Nigeria

The National Association of Seadogs, popularly known as Pyrates Confraternity, has reacted to the trending viral video of the group where its members were insinuated to be mocking the health challenges of APC presidential aspirant. The group denied mocking any politician or political party in the video. 

Recall that Nobel Laureate and founding member of the group, Prof. Wole Soyinka, earlier disassociated himself from the viral video frowning at the group’s behaviour.

In a statement signed by the group’s international President, Abiola Owoaje, the group said that Pyrates Confraternity is apolitical and has not endorsed any political party.

“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.”

He added that “as part of the activities, we were at the Isheri Primary Health Centre on Thursday, August 4, 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.

“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.

“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) 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 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.”

Source: tribuneonlineng.com

#Pyrate Confraternity

#Viral Video

#Wole Soyinka