•Protesters in Kano
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has declared that those waving Russian flags, emblems and national symbols of other nations within the territorial space of Sovereign Nigeria have crossed the redline.
General Musa said the such action is treasonable and those engaging in it will be held accountable according to the law.
The CDS who spoke after an emergency security meeting with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock, expressed the firm commitment’s of the military to uphold and defend the country’s democracy.
Gen. Musa revealed that authorities have unmasked persons responsible for manufacturing and distributing foreign flags, saying many of them are using children and the uninformed to carry out these treasonable activities.
He assured that “serious action” will be taken against individuals orchestrating those activities.
He said, “We wanted to brief Mr President on the situation on ground and we know that since the riot has started all the security agencies you can see all of us together. Initially, when the riot started they said it was a peaceful one but we have realised that there are individuals that are willing to take advantage of it to cause mayhem. And we can see clearly what has happened since it has commenced. Criminals have taken over, a lot of looting taking place, stealing and all sorts happening.
“And besides, all of us have seen it where foreign flags have been flown within the sovereignty of Nigeria, and that is totally unacceptable. 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 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.
“For those of them flying flags and if you’ll see a lot of them are kids being pushed to do that. We’re following up with those ones that are sponsoring them. Those are pushing them because you know, the flags were also made. We have identified those areas and we are going to take serious action against that.
“The President is clear on his instructions for us not to accept anyone that wants to disrupt the peace and tranquility of Nigeria. And we are all standing here together to show Nigerians that we’re working closely, we are working together with synergy to ensure that there’s still peace and tranquility in Nigeria that we have assured Mr. President.
“We’ve said that clearly that the military is going to step in when it is out of hand and you can see that for people supervising elements to push individuals to carry Russian flags in Nigeria, Nigeria sovereignty, that is crossing the red line and we will not accept that. And those ones who have done that will go in for the books and they want to be prosecuted.”
.DSS Arrests Tailors Mass – Producing Russian Flag
The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has arrested some tailors believed to be behind the mass-production of the Russian flag in Kano State.
In a statement on Monday, the DSS said some of the sponsors have also been arrested even as it clarified that Adaramoye Michael, one of coordinators the EndBadGoverance protests, is not in its custody.
It was reported that the DSS operatives arrested Adaramoye Michael in the early hours of Monday, August 5, after they stormed his Abuja residence but the secret police has denied it.
“The DSS can confirm that Adaramoye Michael (aka Michael Lenin) is not in its custody,” the agency wrote on its X handle.
“Meanwhile, the Service has apprehended some tailors in Kano State responsible for making Russian flags being distributed in the area. Some of their sponsors have also been picked. An investigation is ongoing.”
The move followed the wake of some #EndBadGovernance protesters waving Russian flag in several northern states. It is unclear why the demonstrations are holding onto the flags.
Russia Dissociates Self From Protesters Waving Its Flag In Nigeria
Meanwhile, the Russian Federation has dissociated itself from the protesters waving its flags and other emblems of the Russian state to show their anger against the policies of the Nigerian Government in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests that began August 1.
A statement issued on Monday by the Russian Embassy in Abuja, the Russian state denied involvement in the use of those symbols, pointing out that Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of any country.
“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 statement reads in part.
