The protesters calling for the “End Bad Governance in Nigeria” have not received any support from the Russian Embassy in Nigeria.
Protesters have been marching in northern Nigeria’s streets with Russian flags and singing slogans as part of an ongoing protest against hunger and poor government.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are just a few of the West African nations where Russia has been suspected of being involved in recent political unrest.
Russian flags being flown during protests in Nigeria raised questions about foreign meddling in the West African nation.
The Russian Embassy in Nigeria, however, stressed in a statement released on Monday, August 5, that Russia does not meddle in the domestic affairs of other nations, including Nigeria, and that the protestors’ acts do not represent official Russian government policy or positions.
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.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
