The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has disassociated itself from the usage of the country’s flags by some Nigerians in the ongoing nationwide protest against bad governance in the West African Country.
It was earlier reported that over 2000 protesters, including women and children, took to the streets of Kaduna State on Monday to demand #EndBadGovernance.
The protesters, holding Russian flags and chanting slogans, expressed their frustration with the current state of affairs in the country.
It was gathered that the protesters were heading to the Government House, chanting for the military to take over.
A clip obtained by SaharaReporters shows a top military officer engaging with the #EndBadGovernmentInNigeria protesters in Kaduna on Monday morning.
Reacting in a press statement made available to newsmen, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria said the waiving of its flag by the protesters was a personal decision and did not represent any of its diplomatic policies.
The statement reads: “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 official is 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 in 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.”
– Displaying Foreign Flags in Nigeria is Treason, Says CDS
nation all security agencies are here to defend democracy and ensure that democracy continues to thrive.
“We will not accept anyone pushing or taking any action, seemingly or for whatever reason to want to push for any change of government. Democracy is what we stand for, democracy is what will continue to defend.”
Asked to clarify the allegations that some soldiers partook in the looting in some states, the army chief said, “No. I think it has been cleared, I think it was also a misconception. They actually have seen those things and they wanted to clear them away from the area and that’s what was done.
“We have investigated thoroughly, the Chief of army Staff is here. we have investigated thoroughly and there is nothing like such. No member of the Armed Forces fell into doing that.”
General Musa reiterated his earlier position that the military will step in to quell the protests when it gets out of hand.
He said , “You can see that some people supervising elements to push individuals to carry Russian flags in Nigeria, Nigeria is a sovereignty, that is crossing the red lines and we will not accept that.
“And those ones who have done that will go in for the books and they will be prosecuted.”
Further asked whether those behind the action have been identified, he simply responded, “I’m sure you have seen them on TV, that is enough for you to see.,”
In attendance at the meeting are the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Among the security and law enforcement agency heads participating are the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and the three service chiefs; as well as the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
Also in the meeting are the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Col Adewale Adeniyi; as well as the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap.
Police Arrest 30 for flag distribution in Kano
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, said 30 persons were arrested in Kaduna while one person, who was recruiting persons for distribution of the flags, was arrested in Kano.
Adejobi also said that as at today, Monday, the number of persons arrested “who are not protesters but criminal elements, rioters” in connection with the #Endbadgovernance protest, are 873, up from 861 at the weekend.
He spoke during the joint press briefing of spokespersons of security and response agencies at the headquarters of the Department of State Services, DSS.
Adejobi said, “What we are having in the country right now are protests, demonstrations, and riots.
“Those arrested are rioters, armed robbers, looters and criminal elements. Arrest of criminal elements should not be described as arrest of protesters.
“Those arrested so far across the country are criminally-minded persons, looters engaged in criminal offences such as vandalization and destruction of public and critical infrastructure.
“So we should use the appropriate description for them — they are not protesters.
Speaking on allegations of using live bullets against the protesters as alleged at the MKO Abiola Stadium, ACP Adejoba said the Police and sister security agencies have operated in line with rules of engagement while managing the protest.
He said “Using tear gas against protesters when they resort to violence is allowed anywhere in the world.
“We have reiterated that we will not fold our hands to see violence again.
“In some states protesters have been so violent; up to the extent they attempted to break into government house and offices here.”
Continuing he said misuse of words is the greatest cause of errors.
“We need to use our words contextually this time around. I know we are aware that we are having protests in Nigeria.
“At the same time, we are aware we have riots in some states in Nigeria. So arrests of certain individuals who have been riotous should not be seen as the arrest of protesters. Let us get it clear.
“There are some states in Nigeria they have been having peaceful protests. Security agencies have been engaging them in some states.
“I’m sure, and I know you are aware, that some governors and public office holders have been engaging them. You can only engage a gathering, an assembly, that is friendly and accessible.
“Where you have individuals wielding stones, offensive weapons, dangerous weapons and all the likes; I don’t think a reasonable man will move close or be in the middle of such a gathering,” he noted.
