The Russian Embassy in Nigeria on Monday said its officials are not involved and do not coordinate the activities of those waving Russian flags during #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests in parts of the country.
In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, the embassy said neither the Russian government nor any of its officials are involved in the activities of the protesters.
The nationwide protest, which commenced on Thursday, August 1, was in response to the hardship experienced by citizens in the country.
Sunday PUNCH had exclusively reported how former envoys and ex-military officers expressed worry as demonstrators wave Russian flag.
The police, earlier on Monday, also said the supplier of the Russian flag and 30 protesters were arrested.
In response, the Russian embassy said, “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.”
The embassy attributed the use Russian symbols by the protesters to personal choices, saying it does not reflect any official policy or position of the Russian government.
“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,” the embassy noted.
The statement also expressed respect for Nigeria’s democratic processes, acknowledging peaceful demonstrations as a legitimate expression of democracy.
However, the embassy condemned any potential disruptions or acts of violence that might arise from these events.
“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,” it added.