By Lubem Myaornyi, Abuja

Actions by #EndBadGovernance protesters yesterday sent shivers in the spine of President Bola Tinubu, forcing him to summon security agencies to an emergency National Security Council meeting in the State House, Abuja.Apart from elements armed with daggers, machetes and other dangerous weapons breaking into shops and restaurants to loot foodstuffs and other valuable items, many were seen flying Russian flags in Abuja, Kano and other places.

According to them, the president’s broadcast on Sunday morning did not address the issues that led to the nationwide protest.Tinubu had in the broadcast pleaded with the organisers of the nationwide protest to suspend the action as it had gone violent in some states with the attendant loss of lives and destruction of property.Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the Nigerian military said individuals flying Russian flags are committing treason and will, therefore, be “prosecuted.”The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa who briefed State House correspondents after the meeting said the service chiefs briefed the president on the current security situation in the country.He added that the briefing was necessitated by the ongoing nationwide protests, which resulted in violence in some states.“Initially, when the protest started they said it was a peaceful protest 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 with a lot of looting taking place, stealing and all sorts happening,” he said.He said the situation became worrisome as foreign flags were flown within the sovereignty of Nigeria, and that was totally unacceptable.“As Nigerians protested the high cost of living on Saturday, August 3, 2024, some protesters in Kano State were spotted flying what appeared to be the Russian flag.“Viral photos and videos taken in the northern state showed demonstrators waving the Russian flag as they chanted in Hausa, ‘We don’t want bad government.’“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 a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So, nobody should allow himself to be used by any individual,” said the General.He said those flying foreign flags were mainly children who were being pushed to do so.“We’re following up with those who are sponsoring them. Some people are pushing them because the flags were also made. We have identified those behind it and we are going to take serious action against them.“The president is clear on his instructions for us not to accept anyone that wants to disrupt the peace and tranquility of Nigeria,” he said.He said all security agencies were ready to defend democracy and the sovereignty of the nation.“We will not accept anyone taking any action, 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,” he said.General Musa said, “You can see that some subversive elements are pushing individuals to carry Russian flags in Nigeria; that is crossing the red line, and we will not accept that.”The meeting was attended by all the service chiefs, Vice President Kashim Shetima, Mr Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, and Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, among others.

Russia distances self from flags flown during protestIn its reaction, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria said the Russian government had no involvement with the national flags displayed during the nationwide protest.The embassy in a statement yesterday, maintained that neither the Russian government nor its officials were connected to the matter.The embassy 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.”In the meantime, police have arrested 31 persons for what they described as treason by producing and distributing Russian flags and calling for anarchy.The Department of State Services has said its operatives have arrested some tailors sewing Russian flags for #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters in Kano State.The secret police made this known in a statement issued yesterday by its spokesman, Peter Afunanya, in Abuja.He stated that an investigation into the matter had commenced, adding that sponsors of the tailors had been apprehended.Following violent acts by protesters, some state governors have imposed curfe