Russia Distances Self From Flag-Waving Protesters In Nigeria As Army Warns Against Treason

The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has denied any connection to the use of its flag by people during the #EndBadGovernance protest.

The Nigerian Army also warned protesters that flying the Russian flag is a treasonable offense.

The #EndBadGovernance protests began nationwide last Thursday due to the country’s hardships.

Videos circulating on social media showed some protesters in northern states waving the Russian flag, causing concern among authorities.

The Russian embassy clarified in a statement on Monday that neither the Russian government nor its officials are involved in the protest.

“The Government of the Russian Federation, as well as any Russian officials, are not involved in these activities and do not coordinate them in any way.

“As always, we emphasise that Russia does not interfere in the domestic affairs of foreign states, including Nigeria,” the statement said.

The embassy explained that the use of Russian symbols by the protesters is a personal choice and does not reflect any official policy of the Russian government.

It also expressed respect for Nigeria’s democratic processes and peaceful demonstrations but condemned any potential violence.

“These intentions of some protesters to wave Russian flags are personal choices of individuals, and they do not reflect any official position or policy of the Russian Government on the issue.

“We respect Nigerian democracy and believe that peaceful demonstrations in conformity with the Nigerian law are a manifestation of democracy.

“However, should these events lead to any disruptions or acts of violence, we strictly condemn them,” it added.

CDS Warns Protesters Flying Russian Flag

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, warned that flying foreign flags in Nigeria is unacceptable and a treasonable offense.

The CDS said this in Abuja after a meeting with other service chiefs and heads of security agencies with President Bola Tinubu on Monday.

He said, “All of us have seen where foreign flags have been flown within the sovereignty of Nigeria, and that is totally unacceptable.

“We are warning in clear terms and the President has also said we should convey this: that we will not accept anybody, any individual flying any foreign flag in Nigeria.

“That is a treasonable offense, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So, nobody should allow himself to be used by any individual.”

General Musa noted that many of those flying the flags are children being sponsored and described the act as crossing the red line.

“For those of them flying flags – and if you’ll see a lot of them are kids being pushed to do that. We’re following up with those sponsoring them,” he said.

“Those are pushing them because you know, the flags were also made. We have identified those areas and we are going to take serious action against them.”

General Musa reaffirmed the security agencies’ commitment to defending Nigeria’s democracy.

He said, “Also, regarding the issue of coups, Nigeria is a sovereign nation. Nigeria is a democratic nation all security agencies are here to defend democracy and ensure that democracy continues to strive.

“We will not accept anyone pushing or taking any action, seemingly or for whatever reason to want to push for any change of government.”

KanyiDaily recalls that Police Force in Abuja also announced the arrest of Ahmed Tailor, who is accused of sponsoring and distributing Russian flags to protesters in Kano State.