- CDS says flag-waving protesters are committing treason
- Police arrest tailor mass producing flags in Kano, 30 others
The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has come out to deny any involvement with some protesters in the North who were seen waving Russian flags and chanting slogans.
The protesters, who marched through the streets with placards in the ongoing 10-day protest against bad governance in the country, raised eyebrows about possible foreign interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
However, in a statement released on Monday, the Russian Embassy emphasised that it respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and does not interfere in the internal affairs of other nations.
The statement read: “The Embassy has noted the reports in Nigerian media and the circulation of videos and images in digital media depicting protesters in northern states of the country carrying Russian flags and chanting slogans to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“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. 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.”
In a related development, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has declared that individuals flying Russian flags in Nigeria have committed a treasonable offence and vowed that those responsible would face serious consequences.
“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,” the Defence Chief said. “That is a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So, nobody shall allow himself to be used by any individual.”
Gen. Musa’s warning is coming on the heels of the crackdown on the production and sale of Russian flags within the country by the Nigeria Police Force, NPF.
NPF spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the police have arrested one Ahmed, a tailor in Kano for mass producing the Russian flags being used by some protesters in Kano State. Additionally, about 30 protesters flying the flag during the street demonstration were arrested and taken into custody.
The trend of protesting with Russian flags was first observed in Kano on the first day of the protest, 1st August. Protesters waved Russian flags, calling on President Vladimir Putin to intervene in the goings-on in the country. On Sunday, some protesters in Jos, Plateau State were seen with Russian flags. On Monday, more Russian flag carriers were spotted in Kaduna, Kano, and Abuja.
ACP Adejobi stressed that the act is a criminal offence and that further arrests are expected as the investigation of the arrested individuals progresses.
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