NAS faults bullying of citizens, seeks intervention

The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) (Pyrates Confraternity) has condemned the actions of security agencies that trample on fundamental human rights and undermine Nigeria’s democratic values. 

The association, in a statement by the NAS Capn, Dr Joseph Oteri, said they were concerned that in the face of Nigerians’ current economic challenges and the escalating insecurity in the nation, security agencies are adding to the burden by bullying innocent Nigerians.

Citing the cases of the recent arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the charges of terrorism against several #EndBadGovernance protesters, the association said it is highly distressing to witness security agencies resorting to bullying innocent citizens under the guise of combating terrorism and related charges.

The statement read: “It is evident that Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy, is grappling with many economic issues, such as high inflation, foreign exchange rate volatility, low productivity, weak governance, and inadequate infrastructure. These challenges not only threaten our growth prospects, but also jeopardise stability.

“In addition to these pressing economic concerns, insecurity in Nigeria is on the rise. The recent report by SBM Intelligence revealing 7,568 people kidnapped in 1,130 incidents between July 2023 and June 2024 paints a grim picture of the pervasive insecurity in the country.”

According to NAS, it is amid these alarming circumstances where Nigerians are already bearing the brunt of economic hardships and living in fear due to escalating insecurity that security agencies are resorting to bullying innocent citizens under the guise of combating terrorism and related charges.”