Politics
Russia Denies Association With Flag Carrying Protesters
The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has denied any involvement with a group of protesters in northern Nigeria who were seen carrying Russian flags.
Protesters in some parts of the country were seen marching on the streets, carrying Russian flags and chanting slogans, while others held placards with various messages.
Russia, a global power with significant geopolitical influence, has been accused of involvement in recent political upheavals in several West African countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
This has sparked concerns about external interference in regional affairs.
The Embassy, in a statement, emphasised that Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, including Nigeria, and that the protesters’ actions do not reflect any official Russian government policy or position.
The statement 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.”
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Mustapha, says those flying Russian flag in Nigeria have committed a treasonable offence.
Speaking after an emergency security session with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock, the CDS vowed that the law would catch up with such people.
Warning those calling for coup, Gen. Musa said the military had accepted democracy and regime change would never be allowed.
“We wanted to brief Mr President on the situation on ground and we know that since the riot has started, all the security agencies, you can see all of us together. Initially, when the riot started, they said it was a peaceful one 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 commenced. Criminals have taken over, a lot of looting taking place, stealing and all sorts 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 offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So nobody should allow himself to be used by any individual.
“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 we will continue to defend.
“For those of them flying flags, and if you’ll see, a lot of them are kids being pushed to do that, we’re following up with those ones that are sponsoring them. Those that are pushing them, because you know, the flags were also made, 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.
“We’ve said that clearly, that the military is going to step in when it is out of hand and you can see that for people supervising elements to push individuals to carry Russian flags in Nigeria, that is crossing the red line and we will not accept that. And those ones who have done that will go in for the books and they have to be prosecuted.”
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, on Tuesday lamented that Nigerians have been turned into refugees in their own country.
Mr Obi made the remarks during the presentation of the book titled “Obi, The Political Change Agent” in Abuja.
He said that Nigerians must rise and change the current political system, adding that the current structure does not care about the people.
The former Anambra State governor highlighted the sufferings faced by Nigerians, as he listed issues troubling the country to include insecurity, poverty, theft, and lack of accountability by public officials, among others.
He urged collective efforts to dismantle the proceeds of ill-gotten wealth, insisting that “any country where those in government are richer than business people is an unproductive country. A very simple definition of production is value.”
He said the current system is totally unproductive, adding that the country has raised “Nigerian masters” who have destroyed rail lines and other infrastructures built by the colonial masters.
Mr Obi further explained that to rebuild the country, Nigerians must make sacrifices, as he disclosed that the Obidient Movement would look for genuine people who are willing to fix the country at all levels.
His remarks may not be unconnected to the activities of some federal lawmakers originally elected on the platform of the LP and have been criticised for allegedly abandoning their core opposition functions.
Meanwhile, the 2023 LP flag- bearer, while calling for transparency in the upcoming 2027 poll, cautioned against attempts to truncate the process.
He stressed, “We will make the election count. And those who don’t want it to count, we’ll count them.”
Speaking earlier in a welcome remark, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Tanko Yunusa, stated that the momentum for the 2027 election had grown from a quest to change the old order of the negative Nigerian landscape to one of the biggest social/ideological movements in Africa and the world.
Dr Yunusa disclosed that the Obedient Movement is not a political organisation or an election regularisation scheme, but simply a movement that focuses on rejigging governance by pointing its direction to the people, and espousing the dividends of democracy for the people.
“Our beloved nation, Nigeria, stands at crossroads. The old ways have failed us, and the status quo is no longer tenable, yet, amidst the challenges, we find opportunities for growth, innovation, and progress.
“The Obidient Movement, led by our champion of change, Mr Peter Obi, embodies this spirit of transformation.
“The Obidient Movement is more than just a political phenomenon; it represents a shift in the narrative, a call to action, and a demand for a better future. It is a testament to the power of collective action, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unwavering desire for a brighter tomorrow.
“As we embark on this intellectual journey, we will explore the themes of resilience and the unyielding desire for a better Nigeria.
“We shall examine the role of leadership, the power of collective action, and the imperative of embracing a new vision for our nation’s future.
“We will discuss the challenges we faced, the opportunities we have, and the strategies we must employ to build a Nigeria that is just, equitable, and prosperous for all”, Dr Yunusa said.
The National Coordinator insisted that the inevitability of a new Nigeria is not just a dream but a necessity.
“We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to ensure that our nation is a place where everyone can thrive, where everyone can live with dignity, and where everyone can reach their full potential.
“As we celebrate our principal, Mr. Peter Obi, it is pertinent that we bear in mind that this auspicious gathering today is far more than just the presentation of a book”, he added.
He said that the Movement could boast of 28 states with 7 outstanding states soon to be announced, with 540 LGAs out of 774, with 234 to be completed.
In her remarks, the Acting National Chairman of the LP, Senator Nenadi Usman, highlighted that in every generation, there arises a voice that does not merely echo the frustrations of the people but dares to chart a new path for them.
“Mr. Peter Obi, whose life and political saga we unveil today, has become such a voice. This book, meticulously authored and boldly titled tells a story far beyond politics. It is the story of accountability against impunity, simplicity against flamboyance, principle against expediency, and prudence against financial recklessness”, she said.
The factional chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Chief Tony Okocha, has warned that unless the suspended Governor of the State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, seeks genuine reconciliation, not even his defection to the APC will save him from impeachment.
Chief Okocha, who spoke at a media briefing at the national secretariat of the APC, Abuja, on Tuesday, warned again that not even the lifting of the emergency rule will stop the impeachment of the Governor, wondering why he had been lobbying for his reinstatement.
He also took a swipe at the former Governor of the State and ex-Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, describing him as a partyless politician since he is no longer a member of the APC.
Asked if suspended GovernorFubara joining the APC will make his sins to be forgiven, Chief Okocha thundered, “Fubara’s suspension and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State had no business whatsoever with politics. It was about his misdemeanour, and I said to you that he said that the President saved his job by declaring the state of emergency.
“Don’t forget that the Supreme Court in its judgment had said that there was no government in Rivers State. So, if there was no government in the State, something must be done, and that which happened was the declaration of the state of emergency…
“If Fubara decides to join the APC, it has nothing to do with the state of emergency in Rivers State. His sins cannot be forgiven because he came to our party. It is not true”.
He has not spoken to me. He will enter the party through the door, not the window. Not only him, there are procedures for defection to another party, and if he claims to be a politician, he will know that all politics is local; he will try and defect in his ward”.
Former Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Mr Solomon Dalung, has described politicians moving from opposition parties into the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) as sinners seeking forgiveness.
Mr Dalung, who spoke in Abuja disagreed with the postulation that politicians were trooping into the APC because the ruling party has performed well, “rather they are sinners, who are seeking forgiveness for their numerous sins.”
Mr Dalung said the defectors were only fulfilling what a former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, said regarding corrupt politicians, that no matter the gravity of their sins, they would be forgiven as soon as they joined the APC.
Senator Oshiomhole has severally denied this quote attributed to him but politicians have continued to use it.
He said, “These are people who have committed heinous crimes against the Nigerian people and they are jumping into the APC ship for the forgiveness of their sins. Not that they believe in Tinubu, no; they do not. They are only assembling so that their sins will be forgiven.
“So it is a conclave of political cardinals who have committed grave sins against the Nigerian people and a political party has offered them the opportunity of forgiveness on entrance”.
The former Minister also warned that if care is not taken, the defectors would create problems in the ruling party in the future.
He said, “You know there is an adage in Hausa that if animals celebrate the death of a butcher, has the knife also died? If beneficiaries of the mandate of the people are defecting, have the people also defected?
“So there is no value added to Tinubu except that he has compounded the situation in his party and there will be an implosion.”
He also dismissed concern in certain quarters that the entrance of politicians like the former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai into the Social Democratic Party (SDP) could be a potential threat to the presidential ambition of Prince Adewole Adebayo, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, adding that “Adebayo’s political charisma, image and personality within the Nigerian political environment has presented him as an obvious force to deal with in 2027.”
He emphasized that Prince Adebayo is the only presidential candidate who has consistently maintained a media campaign against the failed and unpopular policies of the current government.
“So, Nigerians are very conversant with Adebayo’s voice, charisma and leadership qualities. So, whether you mobilize the whole politicians into the SDP, you must resolve the question of Adebayo in the SDP as a presidential candidate before any other person.
“This is because nobody has promoted the SDP in Nigeria like Adebayo. After Chief MKO Abiola, you rank Adebayo in the contemporary SDP as the highest. So, the concern as some people are expressing is normal. Human beings entertain such fears but the reality is that the name SDP since 2023 has been sustained unilaterally by the doggedness, commitment, dedication and selflessness of Prince Adebayo.
“So, he is a force to beat in whatever political arrangement that the SDP will put on ground to produce a presidential candidate. He is a patriot who did not join politics for himself; he has surrendered the rest of his life to the service of humanity and he did that at his 50th birthday.”