THE Russian Embassy in Nigeria has disassociated itself from the usage of the country’s flags by some Nigerians in the ongoing nationwide protest against bad governance under the auspices of #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protests in the West African Country.
It was reported that over 2000 protesters, including women and children, took to the streets of Kaduna State on Monday to demand an end to bad governance. This trend has been replicated in some other states of the North including Katsina, Kano, etc.
The protesters, holding Russian flags and chanting slogans, expressed their frustration with the current state of affairs in the country.
It was gathered that the protesters were heading to the Government House, chanting for the military to take over.
Reacting in a press statement made available to newsmen, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria said the waiving of its flag by the protesters was a personal decision and did not represent any of its diplomatic policies.
The statement reads: “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 official, is not involved in these activities and does 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 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 any disruptions or acts of violence we strictly condemn them.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media