The Russian Embassy in Nigeria on Monday said its officials have no connection with those waving the Russian flag 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.
Former envoys and ex-military officers have expressed worry as demonstrators wave the Russian flag.
Already, the Nigerian government has said that it will go after those behind the flag bearers and prosecute them for treason.
In Kano, the police has arrested a tailor sewing the Russian flag as security agencies begin crackdown on those involved.
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 which does not in any way 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 added.
The embassy said, “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.
