PRESS RELEASE: Five years after #EndSARS, Seadogs urges FG to end suppression of peaceful protests
Tells Tinubu to review clemency list, exclude corrupt beneficiaries
Five years after the historic #EndSARS protests, the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has called on the Nigerian government to uphold citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful protest and end the recurring pattern of repression against legitimate civic demonstrations.
In a statement on Monday by the NAS Cap'n, Dr Joseph Oteri, the association joined millions of Nigerians in remembering the victims of the 2020 protests against police brutality, especially those who lost their lives at the Lekki Tollgate and other flashpoints.
“The tragic events of October 20, 2020, remain a painful reminder of the price many paid for justice and accountability in Nigeria,” NAS said. “We honour the courage of those who stood for truth and good governance. Their sacrifices must never be forgotten.”
NAS expressed concern that five years after the #EndSARS demonstrations, Nigeria continues to witness excessive force against peaceful citizens.
“The continuing heavy-handed response to civic protests, including on Monday's demonstrations in Abuja and other parts of the country over the detention of the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, shows that our democracy is yet to fully embrace tolerance and dialogue,” the group stated.
It reaffirmed that the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression are constitutionally guaranteed, urging law enforcement agencies to act with professionalism and restraint.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to adopt a posture of empathy, dialogue, and accountability, not intimidation and violence. A democracy thrives when citizens can express dissent without fear of persecution,” NAS added.
The association lamented that the promises made after the 2020 protests, justice for victims, police reform, and compensation for affected families, remain largely unfulfilled.
“The reports of judicial panels across states have been ignored, leaving victims and their families without closure,” NAS observed.
It called for the full implementation of panel recommendations, prosecution of indicted officers, transparent compensation for verified victims, and genuine reform in police recruitment, training, welfare, and oversight.
“Five years after Nigerian youths took to the streets in hope, the nation must prove their sacrifices were not in vain," Oteri stressed.
On the recent presidential clemency exercise, NAS acknowledged its constitutional basis but cautioned against using it to shield those convicted of corruption, drug barons or abuse of office.
“We urge President Bola Tinubu and the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy to review the list of beneficiaries before the release process is concluded,” the statement said.
“Clemency must not become a refuge for the corrupt. A transparent review will affirm the administration’s commitment to justice and moral integrity, values central to the Renewed Hope agenda.”
As Nigeria marks the fifth anniversary of #EndSARS, NAS called for renewed commitment to justice, accountability, and respect for human rights.
“The memory of October 20, 2020, must inspire our collective resolve for a nation where justice is not selective, law enforcement serves rather than subdues, and freedom and dignity are rights enjoyed by all,” Oteri concluded.
Dr Joseph Oteri
NAS Cap'n (National President)
National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity)
