The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has described as a “treasonable offence” the hoisting of Russian flags in Nigerian cities by some persons taking part in the ongoing nationwide #Endbadgovernance protest.
Recall that some protesters in Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara and Plateau states as well as Nyanya Bridge in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, were seen at the weekend and yesterday waving the Russian flags and chanting “We don’t want bad government,” “Tinubu ze soka’ kaa’sa,” which translates to, “Tinubu must step-down.”
Aside from protesting the economic hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, the demonstrators also called for the intervention of the Russian President, Vladimir Putin.
“Welcome, Russia; Welcome, Russia,” they said.
Briefing journalists at the end of the security meeting held in Abuja yesterday, Musa said since the protests started all the security agencies had been together, adding that President Bola Tinubu had been briefed on the situation on the ground.
“Initially, when the riot (protest) started they said it was a peaceful riot but we have realised that there are individuals that are willing to take advantage of it to cause mayhem. And we can see clearly what has happened since it has commenced. Criminals have taken over, a lot of looting taking place, stealing and all sorts of things are happening.
“And besides, all of us have seen it where foreign flags have been flown within the sovereignty of Nigeria, and that is totally unacceptable.
“We are warning in clear terms and the President has also said we should convey this, that we will not accept anybody, any individual flying any foreign flag in Nigeria.
“That is treasonable offense, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So nobody shall allow himself to be used by any individual.”
He also said a lot those protesters hoisting the Russian were children who, according to him, were pushed to do so.
“We are following up with those sponsoring them. We have identified those areas and we are going to take serious action against that. The President is clear on his instructions for us not to accept anyone that wants to disrupt the peace and tranquility of Nigeria.
“And we are all standing here together to show Nigerians that we’re working closely, we are working together with synergy to ensure that there’s still peace and tranquility in Nigeria, that we have assured Mr. President.”
On the rumoured overthrow of the government, the CDS said military would not remove the democratically elected government.
“Also the issue of coups, Nigeria is a sovereign nation, Nigeria is a democratic nation all security agencies are here to defend democracy and ensure that democracy continues to thrive.
“We will not accept anyone pushing or taking any action, seemingly or for whatever reason to want to push for any change of government. Democracy is what we stand for; democracy is what will continue to defend,” he added.
Musa also used the forum to disprove the allegation that some soldiers took part in the looting in some states.
“No. I think it has been cleared, I think it was also a misconception. They actually have seen those things and they wanted to clear them away from the area and that’s what was done.
“We have investigated thoroughly, the chief of army staff is here; we have investigated thoroughly and there is nothing like such. No member of the armed forces fell into doing that,” he declared.
