The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has stated that they have no connection to protesters in the northern region who were seen carrying Russian flags during the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.
News Central reports that some protesters were seen marching, waving Russian flags, and chanting slogans. However, the Embassy has maintained that this was not done under their direction.
Russia has been accused of meddling in West African countries’ politics, but the embassy stated that they do not interfere in internal affairs, including those of Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Embassy stressed that Russia does not interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, including Nigeria. The protesters’ actions do not reflect any official Russian government policy.
The statement highlighted that the Russian government and officials are not involved or coordinating these activities.
The Embassy noted reports in Nigerian media and circulating videos showing protesters with Russian flags and chanting slogans to President Vladimir Putin.
The statement emphasised that the protesters’ actions were their own personal choices and did not reflect any official Russian policy.
The Embassy expressed respect for Nigerian democracy and peaceful demonstrations in accordance with Nigerian law.
However, it condemned any potential disruptions or acts of violence resulting from these events.
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 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. 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.”