- “The Russian flag is a notice to Tinubu government to be more conscious,” Professor Akinterinwa
The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has denied any involvement in the use of their nation’s flag by some protesters during the #EndBadGovernance protest.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, had on Monday told journalists at the end of Nigeria’s National Security Council (NSC) meeting that it is treasonable for #EndBadGovernance protesters to be waving and hoisting Russian flags especially in Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina and Plateau States.
General Musa stated that protesters hoisting Russian flags as part of their protests would face the wrath of the law.
The use of the Russian flags as part of the #EndBadGovernance protests in some Northern States was raising concerns among Nigerian authorities.
But the Russian Embassy in a Monday statement said neither the Russian government nor its officials are involved in the protesters’ activities.
According to the statement: “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 embassy attributed the use of Russian symbols by the protesters to personal choices, saying it does not reflect any official policy or position of the Russian government.
It also expressed respect for Nigeria’s democratic processes, acknowledging peaceful demonstrations as a legitimate expression of democracy.
The embassy, however, condemned any potential disruptions or acts of violence that might arise from these events.
“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.
Meanwhile, former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Professor Bola Akinterinwa, says those carrying the ‘Russian’ flag during the nationwide harship protest in Kano are mainly Nigeriens.
He said “the foreigners” displayed the Russian flag to register their displeasure at the position of the Nigerian government and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) chaired by President Bola Tinubu against the military takeover in Niger.
“Those who are carrying the Russian flag, what does it mean to them? I’m not sure they know anything beyond the fact that they are supporting Russia rather than the West. Are the carriers Nigerians from Kano? My position is that, far from it, they are not likely to be Nigerians. It is only when you consider them Nigerians that you can seriously be more concerned about the implications.
“There is a porous border between Nigeria and Niger, and you have the same ethnic community on both sides of the border; there is no true border between Nigeria and Niger. Consequently, all those who are carrying the Russian flag are basically from Niger. They only came to Kano. These are basically foreigners taking advantage to tell the government of Nigeria that Nigeriens are in support of the military junta.”
The diplomat further warned that the incident could pit Nigeria against Ukraine, which is at war with Russia, and throw Nigeria into crisis.
“The government of Nigeria is not likely to be taken seriously by Niger because they see Nigeria as a disappointment. There is a need to explore citizen diplomacy, whereby citizens of the two countries come together and resolve not to be divided by foreign interests.
“The Russian flag is a notice to Tinubu government to be more conscious. It’s a warning. Ukraine is at war with Russia, but does not have a war with Mali. But knowing full well that Wagner (a Russian mercenary) is a major war ally for Russia, Ukraine decided to take a war to Mali.
“By implication, they (Israelis) are saying anywhere you find Russia, we can go there and attack. If people are carrying Russian flags in Nigeria, we can expect the anger of the Ukrainian government as well, the same way Israel is attacking its enemies anywhere in the world. So, we need to tread more cautiously,” he added.