President Bola Tinubu yesterday directed security agencies to crack down on those flying Russian flag in the country.
Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, said this while briefing State House correspondents after the National Security Council meeting.
He said the service chiefs briefed the President on the current security situation in the country.
He added that the briefing was necessitated by the ongoing nationwide protests, which resulted into violence in some states. “Initially, when the protest started they said it was a peaceful protest 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 with a lot of looting taking place, stealing and all sorts happening,” he said.
He said the situation became worrisome as foreign flags were flown within the sovereignty of Nigeria, and that was 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 a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So, nobody should allow himself to be used by any individual,” said the general.
He said those flying foreign flags were mainly children who were being pushed to do so.
“We’re following up with those who are sponsoring them. Some people are pushing them because the flags were also made. We have identified those those behind it and we are going to take serious action against them.
“The President is clear on his instructions for us not to accept anyone that wants to disrupt the peace and tranquility of Nigeria,” he said.
He said all security agencies were ready to defend democracy and the sovereignty of the nation.
“We will not accept anyone taking any action, for whatever reason to want to push for any change of government.
“Democracy is what we stand for, democracy is what we will continue to defend,” he said.
The CDS said he had earlier stated that the military would step in if the protests got out of hand.
“You can see that some subversive elements are pushing individuals to carry Russian flags in Nigeria; that is crossing the red line, and we will not accept that.
President Tinubu had in a national broadcast on Sunday pleaded with the organisers of the nationwide protest to suspend the action as it had gone violent in some states with the attendant loss of lives and destruction of property.
He also warned that he would not sit and watch some people used by opposition politicians to truncate democracy in the country. The meeting was attended by all the service chiefs, Vice President KashimShetima, Mr NuhuRibadu, National Security Adviser, and KayodeEgbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, among others. (NAN)
…. As Russia Denies Involvement In Use Flag By Protesters
Meanwhile, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria has denied any involvement with a group of protesters in northern Nigeria who were seen waving Russian flags.
Protesters in some parts of the country were seen marching on the streets, waving Russian flags and chanting slogans, while others held placards with various messages.
The Department of State Service (DSS) has also confirmed the arrest of a Kano tailor producing the ‘Russian flags.
The Service also said it arrested the suspect along with his sponsors. However, the Embassy, in a statement, said that Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, including Nigeria.
It said the actions of the protesters do not reflect any official Russian government policy or position.
The statement said, “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.”
