#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria: RUSSIAN EMBASSY DISTANCES ITSELF FROM PROTESTERS WAVING RUSSIAN FLAGS

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The Russian Embassy in Nigeria said on Monday that its officials are not involved and do not coordinate the activities of those waving Russian flags during #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests in parts of the country.

In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, the embassy said neither the Russian government nor any of its officials are involved in the activities of the protesters.

The nationwide protest, which commenced on Thursday, August 1, was in response to the hardship experienced by citizens in the country.

Earlier, the Department of State Services (DSS) confirmed the arrest of some tailors involved in making Russian flags used by protesters in Kano.

Likewise, on Monday, some were also arrested by the police in connection with Russian flags being made in Nasarawa.

In response, the Russian embassy said, “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.

“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,” the embassy noted.

The statement also expressed respect for Nigeria’s democratic processes, acknowledging peaceful demonstrations as a legitimate expression of democracy.

However, the embassy condemned any potential disruptions or acts of violence that might arise from these events.

“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.