National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Russian Embassy in Nigeria clarified on Monday that neither the Russian government nor its officials are involved in or coordinating the activities of individuals waving Russian flags during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests across the country.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the embassy emphasised that the Russian government and its representatives have no connection to the actions of the protesters.
The nationwide protest, which began on Thursday, August 1, was sparked by the widespread hardship experienced by citizens in Nigeria.
The Nigerian police reported earlier that they had arrested 30 protesters and the supplier of the Russian flags.
In response, the Russian embassy stressed its non-involvement, stating, “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.”
The embassy attributed the display of Russian symbols by the protesters to personal decisions, asserting that these actions do not reflect any official stance or policy of the Russian government.
“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 this issue,” the embassy noted.
Also, the embassy expressed respect for Nigeria’s democratic processes, acknowledging peaceful demonstrations as a legitimate expression of democracy.
However, it condemned any potential disruptions or acts of violence that might occur in connection with these protests.
“We respect Nigerian democracy and believe that peaceful demonstrations in conformity with Nigerian law are a manifestation of democracy.
“However, should these events lead to any disruptions or acts of violence, we strictly condemn them,” the statement concluded.
The embassy’s remarks came amid heightened tensions and public discontent over the current state of affairs in Nigeria, as citizens continue to express their grievances through various forms of protest.
