The Russian Federation, through its Embassy in Nigeria, has firmly denied any involvement in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests.
The denial comes in response to reports and images circulating in the media, depicting protesters in northern Nigeria carrying Russian flags and chanting slogans in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Embassy clarified Russia’s stance on the matter, emphasizing its respect for Nigerian democracy and a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of foreign nations.
“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 statement read. “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.”
The Embassy stressed that the display of Russian flags by some protesters was a personal choice and did not reflect any official policy or position of the Russian government.
“As always, we emphasize that Russia does not interfere in the domestic affairs of foreign states, including Nigeria,” the statement continued.
Furthermore, the Russian Federation expressed its respect for Nigerian democracy, acknowledging the right to peaceful demonstrations in accordance with Nigerian law as a legitimate expression of democratic values. However, the statement concluded with a strong condemnation of any potential violence: “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.”
