Military vows crackdown over ‘treasonous’ use of Russian flags at protests

• Russia distances self from protesters’ display of its national symbol
• Obi: Tinubu’s speech failed to address realities, triggers of protests

The Nigerian military yesterday warned against the display of the Russian flag under the guise of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest, saying the action is treasonous and would be met with consequences.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, said foreign flags had been flown within Nigeria’s sovereignty, but the latest development (of Russian flag display) is unacceptable.

“We are warning in clear terms, and the President has also said we should convey this: 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,” Musa said.

President Bola Tinubu met with his security chiefs, including heads of paramilitary agencies, yesterday, where he expressed displeasure over protesters’ flying of the Russian flag.

The Russian flag, with its red, blue, and white colours, was spotted in Kano, Plateau, Kaduna, and Zamfara states.According to Presidency sources, Tinubu told the service chiefs that the trend was totally unacceptable and should be curtailed immediately.

The meeting, which lasted for about two hours, also reviewed the calls by some non-state actors for a change in government. The security chiefs said the President had given them a stern directive to maintain peace and order.

Gen Christopher Musa, who briefed reporters after the meeting, said protesters carrying the Russian flag crossed a red line and would face the consequences.

Musa, who led the service chiefs and the other paramilitary heads to the meeting, told State House correspondents that the protesters’ actions, which were characterised by looting and destruction of public properties, justified the federal government’s position against the protest ab initio.

The CDS labelled the protest a riot, saying: “We briefed Mr President on the situation on the ground. Initially, when it started, they said it was a peaceful riot. But we have realised that there are individuals willing to take advantage of it to cause mayhem. We can see clearly what has happened since it commenced. Criminals have taken over; a lot of looting, stealing, and all sorts of other things are happening.

He noted that Nigeria is a sovereign and democratic nation and that all security agencies would defend its democracy and ensure the continuation of the system of government.

“We will not accept anyone pushing or taking any action, seemingly or for whatever reason, any change of government. Democracy is what we stand for. Democracy is what we will continue to defend. For those flying flags… and if you notice, a lot of them are kids being pushed to do that.

“We’re following up with those who sponsor them, those who push them because, you know, the flags were also made. We have identified those areas, and we are going to take serious action against them,” he said.

Musa added: “The President is clear in his instructions that we do not accept anyone who wants to disrupt the peace and tranquillity of Nigeria. We are all standing here together to show Nigerians that we’re working closely and in synergy to ensure that there’s still peace and tranquillity in Nigeria, as we have assured Mr President.”

Also, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria said the Russian government was not involved in the national flags displayed during the nationwide protest. It said in a statement: “The Embassy has noted 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 on 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 disruptions or acts of violence, we strictly condemn them.”

One of the leaders of the protest in Abuja, Deji Adeyanju, also criticised the use of the Russian flag by some protesters, insisting that the move is treasonable. He said: “It is treason to raise the Russian flag and call for a military coup. That is not protest but treason. Security agencies should arrest those doing so. While we welcome those who didn’t protest for once under Buhari’s terrible eight years of bad governance, treason is condemnable.”

Hundreds of protesters in Kano yesterday displayed the Russian national flag. The protesters took advantage of a six-hour curfew in the state and marched peacefully towards Zaria and Court Roads as armed security operatives moved closely behind them.

It was unclear whether the flag-carrying protesters had a similar intention with the #EndBadGovernance demonstrators. One of the group’s leaders, who requested anonymity, told journalists: “All we want is freedom without violence.”

Also, protesters in Kaduna were seen waving the Russian flag and chanting in Hausa: “Welcome, Russia! Welcome, Russia!” Despite a 24-hour curfew in the Kaduna metropolis, there was a heavy clash between hoodlums and security operatives in the Tudun Wada area as large numbers of youths destroyed properties and looted shops.

It took the intervention of the military to restore order after the youths had overpowered the police. Before the military arrived, hundreds of miscreants hurled stones and other objects at a commercial bank near polytechnic, vandalised staff cars, and stole valuables.

Activities came to an abrupt end in the area as people fled for their lives. The area had been tense before the curfew was imposed. The police had also warned that anyone found vandalising properties or looting shops would not be considered a protester but a criminal.

The police reportedly arrested a number of persons who were supplying the protesters with Russian flags and other offensive items. In the Federal Capital Territory, there was a military presence across the city.

With protests in a few locations suppressed by the police, business activities began picking up. The movement of vehicles also improved. Most routes leading to Eagle Square and the Presidential Villa were barricaded by the police.

Before the protesters regrouped, operatives of the Department of State Services arrested Adaramoye Michael, one of the leaders of the protest, at his residence in the Apo area of the city at about 2:00 a.m.

About 12 security vehicles, including armoured trucks and an ambulance, were stationed at the National Stadium, where the protesters were officially meant to gather.

MEANWHILE, Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has said President Bola Tinubu’s broadcast to the nation failed to address the issues that triggered the protest.

In a post titled ‘My Response to the President’s Address’ on his X handle yesterday, Obi said: “The President’s address regrettably appeared disconnected from the harsh realities faced by the people and failed to address critical issues that initially triggered the protest. It reflects a lack of awareness among his advisers regarding the scale of anger, hunger, and hardship in the country or a deliberate choice to disregard it. At this point, I strongly advise the President to distance himself from sycophants and surround himself with individuals who will present the unvarnished truth.

Obi said he had hoped that, in consoling the families of those who lost their loved ones in the protest, Tinubu would also show some empathy towards those who were injured, arrested, and detained due to the overzealous and unprofessional conduct of some security operatives.

He said: “While the President’s speech focused on the past, the people are concerned with the present and the future. He should begin by addressing pressing issues such as the exorbitant cost of governance, measures to tackle corruption, the high cost of living, and directing resources effectively towards critical areas like health, education, and poverty alleviation. I respectfully reiterate that the President should declare a war on insecurity, the economy, poverty, unemployment, and the power sector.”

Obi requested the President to reduce the repetition of how dire the situation is because, according to him, every Nigerian is already aware of the extent of the problems. He stressed that the President and his team were elected not just to witness the protests but to alleviate the people’s suffering.

“Nigerians do not expect the President to solve the nation’s problems overnight, but we do expect a concerted effort to address the mismanagement of public resources, reduce the high cost of governance, and tackle issues like insecurity, corruption, electricity, agriculture, and productivity to set the country on a path to recovery and growth. By doing so, the President can restore hope and rekindle the people’s faith in our dear country Nigeria. A new Nigeria is Possible,” he added.