The Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Christopher Musa, after an emergency security session with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa stated that protesters seen flying the Russian flags in parts of Kano and Kaduna states committed treason, as they suggested that the military should step into the current protests rocking the country.
He stated that the military had accepted democracy and regime change would never be allowed, while stating this in reaction to allegations that some persons were calling for a coup.
The defence chief said the sovereignty of Nigeria would never be put up for debate. He also stated that those sponsoring such actions like flying flags had been identified and would be duly dealt with.
Russian flags have been seen in Kaduna with protesters seen flying the flags. The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier said it arrested a tailor who was mass-producing the flags.
Meanwhile, in a swift response, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria has disassociated itself from the usage of the country’s flags by some Nigerians in the ongoing nationwide protest against bad governance in the West African Country.
The Russian Embassy in Nigeria in a press statement made available to newsmen said the waiving of its flag by the protesters was a personal decision and did not represent any of its diplomatic policies.
The statement reads: “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 official is 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. 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.”