The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity, has expressed concern over the recent wave of violence and brutality that accompanied the #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria.
The association condemned the excessive use of force by security operatives against peaceful protesters and journalists, adding that the right to protest is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society, and its suppression through violence is both illegal and immoral.
Since the commencement of the protests on August 1, there have been alarming reports of police and security forces using excessive force against unarmed civilians. These actions have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 13 lives and the brutalisation of numerous individuals, including no fewer than 31 journalists.
In his address earlier on Sunday, President Bola Tinubu condemned the violence and the destruction of property that has marred the protests, but NAS, in a statement on Monday by its Cap’n, Dr Joseph Oteri, said despite the largely peaceful nature of these protests in some parts of the country, reports indicate a disturbing pattern of violence and brutality inflicted by security operatives. This statement was issued shortly after the 48th Supreme Pyrates Colloquium and the Annual General Meeting of NAS, which was held in Abeokuta, Ogun State from August 2 to 4.
The event, which was also used to celebrate the 90th birthday of one of its founders, Prof Wole Soyinka, also had a series of other activities including medical outreach for the less privileged with over 200 beneficiaries.
In the statement, the association wondered why President Tinubu did not use that opportunity to tell the nation how he intended to cut the cost of governance across the board with the one-month timeline given by the protesters. Oteri said, “Yes, the President acknowledged those that were killed in the protest, we are, however, deeply concerned by his failure to explicitly denounce the violent crackdown on peaceful protesters by the police in several states, notably Abuja and Lagos.
“We, therefore, call on the President to institute an independent and transparent investigation into the killings and brutalisation of peaceful protesters and journalists. Those found responsible must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. “We reiterate our call for an end to the violence and for immediate actions to restore justice and uphold the principles of democracy.”
While noting that the National Association of Seadogs stands in solidarity with the brave Nigerians who are exercising their democratic rights to demand better governance, Oteri, however, condemned the wanton looting and destruction of property by hoodlums in some states.
