A coalition, consisting of Concerned Nigerlites Forum, civil society groups and students, has given the Federal Government a one-month ultimatum to identify and prosecute foreign individuals and organisations that were directly or indirectly involved in the recent nationwide #BadGovernacein Nigeria protests.

In a statement in Minna, Niger State, the convener, Abduljalil Alhaji Yahaya, said the action became imperative owing to the violent nature of the demonstrations in several states and confrontations with security agents and other acts suggestive of encouragement by external forces to destabilise the country.

He said the forum regretted that as a sovereign nation, the actions of these foreign actors and their accomplices did not only take Nigerians by surprise but also deeply saddened them.

The coalition also frowned on the brazen hoisting of foreign flags to spite the country, and probably, to incite widespread crisis, destruction, confusion, distrust, and political instability, describing the act as unacceptable and a direct violation of Nigeria’s sovereign and democratic principles.

The statement advocated in part: “Engagement with foreign governments to clarify their roles and seek assistance in achieving a peaceful resolution. Implementing initiatives aimed at alleviating the suffering of Nigerians in terms of addressing hunger and reducing the high cost of governance. Collaborating with international organisations such as the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN) to access expertise, resources, and diplomatic support.

“Countering foreign-backed misinformation campaigns through evidence-based diplomacy and public outreach, condemning the activities of foreign governments and holding foreign agents accountable, especially those working against Nigeria’s stability and sovereignty. Taking decisive action to send a clear message to the international community that Nigeria will not tolerate foreign interference in its internal affairs. Enhanced security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future by closely monitoring and regulating foreign entities operating within Nigerian borders to ensure compliance with Nigerian laws and values and evaluating Nigeria’s foreign policy to ensure alignment with national interests, and the promotion of regional stability.”