The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as Pyrates Confraternity, has expressed concerns 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…
The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as Pyrates Confraternity, has expressed concerns 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.
NAS, in a statement, yesterday, by 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 yearly general meeting of NAS, which was held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from August 2-4.
The event, which was also used to celebrate the 90th birthday of one of its founders, Prof. Wole Soyinka, had other activities that include medical outreach for the less privileged.
In the statement, the association wondered why President Bola 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 protests, 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.”