By Kingston Magare
The Nigeria Army has warned citizens protesting against high cost of living that waving the Russia flag and calling for the overthrow of the Federal government is a treasonable felony.
General Christopher Mustapha the Chief of Defence Staff, said after the meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the services chiefs in Abuja that flying the flag of another country in Nigeria is an afront on sovereignty of the nation and calling for a coup against the Federal government is unacceptable. EndBadGovernance protesters in some parts of the Northern States have been flying the Russian flag and calling for the ouster of President Tinubu.
“All of us have seen it where foreign flags have been flown within the sovereignty of Nigeria, and that is totally unacceptable,” General Mustapha told journalists.
“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.
“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.
“Also the issue of coups, Nigeria is a sovereign nation, Nigeria is a democratic nation all security agencies are here to defend democracy and ensure that democracy continues to strive.
“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.”
Meanwhile the Russian Embassy in Nigeria said they have no hand in the flying of their flag by Nigerian protesters.
“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,” said the Embassy in a statement.
