….Russia distances self from flags flown during protest
…Hoisting foreign flags in Nigeria, treasonable offence – CDS
……Says army won’t allow any attempt to topple democratic govt
The Nigerian Police Force said, on Monday, that it arrested 31 persons for what it described as “treason” for producing and distributing Russian flags and calling for anarchy.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, said 30 persons were arrested in Kaduna while one person, who was recruiting persons for distribution of the flags, was arrested in Kano.
Adejobi also said that as at today, Monday, the number of persons arrested “who are not protesters but criminal elements, rioters” in connection with the #Endbadgovernance protest, are 873, up from 861 at the weekend.
He spoke during the joint press briefing of spokespersons of security and response agencies at the headquarters of the Department of State Services, DSS.
‘They’re not protesters’
Adejobi said, “What we are having in the country right now are protests, demonstrations, and riots.
“Those arrested are rioters, armed robbers, looters and criminal elements. Arrest of criminal elements should not be described as arrest of protesters.
“Those arrested so far across the country are criminally-minded persons, looters engaged in criminal offences such as vandalization and destruction of public and critical infrastructure.
“So we should use the appropriate description for them — they are not protesters.
Speaking on allegations of using live bullets against the protesters as alleged at the MKO Abiola Stadium, ACP Adejoba said the Police and sister security agencies have operated in line with rules of engagement while managing the protest.
He said “Using tear gas against protesters when they resort to violence is allowed anywhere in the world.
“We have reiterated that we will not fold our hands to see violence again.
“In some states protesters have been so violent; up to the extent they attempted to break into government house and offices here.”
Continuing he said misuse of words is the greatest cause of errors.
“We need to use our words contextually this time around. I know we are aware that we are having protests in Nigeria.
“At the same time, we are aware we have riots in some states in Nigeria. So arrests of certain individuals who have been riotous should not be seen as the arrest of protesters. Let us get it clear.
“There are some states in Nigeria they have been having peaceful protests. Security agencies have been engaging them in some states.
“I’m sure, and I know you are aware, that some governors and public office holders have been engaging them. You can only engage a gathering, an assembly, that is friendly and accessible.
“Where you have individuals wielding stones, offensive weapons, dangerous weapons and all the likes; I don’t think a reasonable man will move close or be in the middle of such a gathering,” he noted.
Russia distances self from flags flown during protest
Meanwhile, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria has stated that the Russian government had no involvement with the national flags displayed during the nationwide protest.
Recall that individuals were seen flying Russian flags in Abuja, Kano, and other places.
In a statement released on Monday, the embassy clarified that neither the Russian government nor its officials were connected to the trend of flying national flags during the hunger protest.
The statement reads: “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.”
Reacting, the Nigerian military on Monday declared that individuals displaying Russian flags during the nationwide protests are committing treason and will be “prosecuted.”
Following a National Security Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on Monday, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa declared, “That is totally unacceptable… that is a treasonable offense, and it will be viewed and treated as such.”
Similarly, the Nigerian Police force said on Monday that it has arrested 31 persons for what it described as treason by producing and distributing Russian flags and calling for Anarchy.
Hoisting foreign flags in Nigeria, treasonable offence – CDS
Also, the nationwide protests against hunger and bad governance entered the fifth day on Monday, President Bola Tinubu summoned a National Security Council meeting where issues of security threats to the country were discussed.
The security meeting which held at the President’s office at the State House Abuja, also looked into the new trend of protesters hoisting Russian flag in some states in the north.
Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the security meeting, the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa, described as a treasonable offence the hoisting of Russia flags in the cities of Nigeria.
The CDS also ruled out any possible coup to remove the democratically elected government, saying that the military would not allow any such attempt to succeed.
Recall that some protesters in Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara and Plateau states have hoisted the Russian flags in the afore mentioned states from Saturday last week, but the Chief of Defence Staff said that those behind such a grievous offence would face the wrath of the law.
He said, “We went to brief Mr President on the situation on ground and we know that since the riot (protest) started, all the security agencies are together.
“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.”
General Musa further said, ” 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 sponsoring them.
“Those who are pushing them because you know, 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.”
Fielding questions on the issue of coup being rumoured in some quarters, the CDS said, ” 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.”
Asked to clarify the allegations that some soldiers partook in the looting in some states, the army chief said, “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.”
General Musa reiterated his earlier position that the military will step in to quell the protests when it gets out of hand.
He said , “You can see that some people supervising elements to push individuals to carry Russian flags in Nigeria, Nigeria is a sovereignty, that is crossing the red lines and we will not accept that.
“And those ones who have done that will go in for the books and they will be prosecuted.”
Further asked whether those behind the action have been identified, he simply responded, “I’m sure you have seen them on TV, that is enough for you to see.,”
In attendance at the meeting are the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Among the security and law enforcement agency heads participating are the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and the three service chiefs; as well as the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
Also in the meeting are the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Col Adewale Adeniyi; as well as the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap
