By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed the military to immediately fish out all individuals involved in the use of Russian flags during the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests.
The President reportedly issued this directive during a meeting of the National Security Council at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Monday.
Addressing the press after the meeting, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said the Military has received directive from the President to go after individuals flying Russian flags during the nationwide protests.
He also noted that the military is currently investigating those instigating this action and will “take serious action” against them.
He said: “That is totally unacceptable… that is a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such.
“As Nigerians protested the high cost of living on Saturday, August 3, 2024, some protesters in Kano State were spotted flying what appeared to be the Russian flag. Viral photos and videos taken in the northern state showed demonstrators waving the Russian flag as they chanted in Hausa, “We don’t want bad government.”
“For those of them flying flags, and if you see a lot of them, they are kids being pushed to do that. We’re following up with those who are sponsoring them. Those are pushing them because, you know, the flyers were also made. We have identified those areas, and we are going to take serious action against them.
“The President is clear in his instructions for us not to accept anyone who wants to disrupt the peace and tranquillity of Nigeria.”
Gen Musa also warned that the military will not accept or tolerate any push for any change of government.
“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… So nobody should allow themselves to be used by any individual.”
The New Diplomat reports that several protesters in Kaduna were also seen waving the Russian flag and chanting in Hausa, “Welcome, Russia; Welcome, Russia.”
This has been generating mixed reactions as several individuals have expressed worry over the development.
Many had pointed out that Russia has been accused several times of being allegedly involved several unconstitutional changes of government in West African countries such as Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, among others.
