Russian Embassy in Nigeria Denies Involvement with Flying of Russian Flags By Protesters in the North,Says It's Their Personal Choice

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has denied any involvement with the use of its flag by a group of protesters in northern Nigeria. 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija (OTN) reports that In a statement issued on Monday, the embassy stressed that Russia does not interfere in the domestic matters of other countries, including Nigeria, and that the actions of the protesters do not represent any official stance or policy of the Russian Government. 

The statement reads in part, “The Embassy has observed reports in Nigerian media and the spread of videos and images online showing protesters in the northern regions of the country with Russian flags and chanting support for President Vladimir Putin. The Government of the Russian Federation and Russian officials are not involved in or coordinating these activities.”

"We reiterate that Russia does not meddle in the internal matters of other nations, including Nigeria. The decision of some protesters to display Russian flags is a personal choice and does not represent any official stance or policy of the Russian Government." 

It further reads;" We honor Nigerian democracy and view peaceful demonstrations that comply with Nigerian law as a democratic expression. Nevertheless, we strongly condemn any disruptions or acts of violence that may arise from these events." 

By this development , the Russian Government has invariably rejected claims of involvement with the protesters in northern Nigeria who were seen carrying Russian flags and chanting slogans. 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija reports that some groups of protesters, mostly in the northern states of Kano and Kaduna, have been seen marching on the streets, carrying Russian flags and chanting slogans.

The demonstrators marched through the streets, some holding placards with various messages, while brandishing the Russian flag. 

OTN however observes that Russia, known for its significant global influence, has faced accusations of meddling in the political affairs of several West African nations, such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, raising concerns about foreign intervention in the region. 

In swift response to the threats posed by the actions of the protesters to the sovereignty of Nigeria,Nigeria’s Chief of Defence, General Chris Musa, has described the actions of such protesters as treasonous, stating that they will be held accountable by the law.

Meanwhile, OTN News gathered that the Police has already swung into action by arresting some people involved in sewing the Russian flags being used by protesters. The Police has also vowed to effect many more arrests of protesters who engage in violent acts or acts of treasonable felony in any part of the country.