Russia has absolved itself if any involvement in the use of its national flag during the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance in Nigeria protests.
The Russian Embassy in a statement on Monday said: “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 officials are not involved in these activities and do 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 in 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.”
There had been reports of protesters across Nigeria waving Russian flags, and chanting slogans.
However, some of the demonstrators, who were caught with the Russian flags during the protest against acute hardship faced by Nigerians have been arrested by the Department of State Service (DSS) and being interrogated.
