Russia has denied any involvement in the display of its flag by protesters in Nigeria.
The clarification was contained in a statement by the Russian Embassy in Nigeria on Monday.
The statement said, “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 emphasize 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.”
The Embassy’s response comes after reports emerged of protesters across Nigeria marching on the streets, waving Russian flags, and chanting slogans, while others held placards with various messages.
The demonstrators are protesting the state of the economy in the African country which has seen prices of goods reach record high.
Earlier, the Department of State Service (DSS) confirmed the arrest of a Kano tailor producing the Russian flags, along with his sponsors.
Also, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Mustapha declared that individuals flying Russian flags in Nigeria have committed a treasonable offence.
The Defense Chief made the declaration while speaking to newsmen after an emergency security meeting with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock on Monday.
He vowed that the law would catch up with such persons.
Russia has of recent be deeply involved in the runnings of government in Africa. The coups in Burkina Faso, Niger etc are all empowered by Russia. Waving the flag of Russia by protesters is a way of asking Russia to help us sack these KALOKALO politricians who have over the years plundered our country for their own selfish gains. Nigeria’ns are tired of this democracy. We want the military back. Military don’t look face before sharing palliatives. They don’t look face before giving lib employment. They don’t see face before building roads. They don’t do election every four years with many supplementary elections and litigation spending billions of taxpayers money.Many of the things we enjoy now we’re done by the military. With what we have see sio far with this democracy, if the military intervened today, Nigeria’ns will jubilate and raise Russian flags even higher because I know they will support the military.
I concur with you in totality.
You too want the military?
Yes good to get a military leader because the Nigeria federal government his not leadering people she his In interest working
Let military come and rescuse us and jail those bad politician.
Pls we don’t need any military anymore, Joh
were you in a haste to forget abacha loot,and other of his colliques,we better continue with our democracy, God will soon do away with all these evil leaders coursing hardships and keeling the common Nigerians.
You leave your fight for God and you go dey fight God fight, brain is really far from you.
Keep praying. While the seat in there comfort zone.
Doing the time of abacha.
And this present times.which one is fair enough
Almighty God will fight for us in this country, enough is enough o
Over 570 billion, has released to the 36 State of the federation, and seems like nothing is done anywhere, they know themselves, eating and eating and eating!!! nothing is happening to them again, Abeg military take over
Hmmm
The loot is even worst now
What day are looting now is more than abacha… Nigeria democracy is not working…what has democracy done in their 30years even 1 refinery they can’t do…
Pls reply Ehiabi Desmond
They said its a reason o .and they’ll start arresting
Na him call them for meeting
Bro thanks I like ur comment contributions.
God bless you you have said my mind
Then you no nothing
Do you have any idea of what Nigeria faced during the military regime??
And who will head the military govt?
How old are you?
I’m sure you weren’t born yet during the military years.
You want the military back? I don’t blame you since you were probably born less than 20 years ago.
May God bless you abundantly for speaking our minds .I totally concour with you.
Definitely, you are a child and have not witnessed military rule in Nigeria. But I can tell you that even this your “right to protest” does not exist under the military and please note as a fact of history that the most corrupt governments we have had in Nigeria are military.
Furthermore, if Russia comes, it will be to help their own interests. And, some of you guys may be forcefully recruited to fight in Ukraine.
Why arrest those flaying Russian flag alone and leave those threatening people from other region. Nigerian government should be fair in dealing with issues in this country.
Nigeria politicians beware the way you treat your employer. The electorate are your employer. Perform the job they gave to you according to their expectations. Anything apart from that, you are be the biggest loser. A word is enough to the wise.
Nigeria politicians beware the way you treat your employer. The electorate are your employer. Perform the job they gave to you according to their expectations. Anything apart from that, you are going to be the biggest loser. A word is enough to the wise.
We in benue we don’t protest because we have all it takes to live
That’s Fulani busy killing you guys
U must be a fool at ur age
Stop saying what you don’t know.
Stop condemning a tribe because of the action of the few people among them.
In every community or tribe there is criminals.
Useless race call Yoruba, eyes service in the office and bigotry is their logo, deluded tribal idiots, proscribed traitors.
It would have been better if there terms and conditions conform with the citizens quest for good governance
Is good if there terms and conditions conform with the citizens quest for good governance
Bro thanks I like ur comment contributions.
We have over 500 tribes in Nigeria that is approximately 5 million problem in a population of 2.5 million people. The Hausa Igbo and Yoruba dominance in Nigeria is even bigger than this protest. A genuine and sincere opinion is not welcome in the north if an Hausa is hurt by it the same goes for the Yoruba and the Igbos and still some are protesting for a better Nigeria
Why are you guys protesting, during Buhari the youbas did not protest so why are you guys making noise everywhere?
There’s no unity in this country the earlier we realise this the better for us
if that will bring sanity and justice to our land pls let it be, simple .
Sir,I sincerely said this myself with deep heart,let the military force takeover the Nigeria government,
Then you no nothing
Do you have any idea of what Nigeria faced during the military regime??
Don’t mind them. Most of them commenting here are under 30 years.
The best thing for we Nigerian, is to keep praying for ourselves and the country it self. Because this protest i don’t think will resolve the undetermined, uncountable problems. Ya Allah save our mothers land Nigeria. Ameen ya hayyu ya qayyum.
Let the Russian government help us Nigeria need help our military please save this country help your people don’t look at the money they may troll at you for now what about our children what will dey say about there fathers, by now our military to have been the very best in all them of military in Africa this blooody political for years have kill the country do what is right for our future we the masses are with you all God bless Nigeria God bless our military
Evil leaders never end, God does not think like man
If it’s England’s flag or American flag no body will say is a treasonable act bcouse those western pawaer are there masters
I see churches, schools and even keke people putting up American, and Israeli flags and that has not been considered as treasonable offense because those countries abade the loot of our common resources. Now the mass aren’t mad to wave Russian flag. It’s because they have seen how Russia has helped other African countries from their oppressive political class and sponsors. Don’t the wind of change blowing…God bless Bangladesh for outsting their president…I believe this will happen to our wicked politicians someday if not today
I will not tolerate the act of military taking over the Nigerian government. I will call on the international bodies to please save us from this tyrannies act, useless and selfish sets of government in Nigeria. Lastly… In this geo-political zones, we need to break up ✊✊✊