The presidency has reacted to the actions of some protesters raising the Russian flag in some states in the north.
President Bola Tinubu had yesterday summoned a National Security Council meeting at his office at the State House Abuja, where issues of security threats to the country were discussed.
Recall that there have been protests against the government, over bad governance and hunger. Despite the call of the President for protesters to sheath their swords, the protest has reached its 6th day.
The security meeting also looked into the new trend of protesters hoisting the Russian flag in some states in the north.
The hoisting of Russian flags in Nigerian towns is a treasonable act, according to General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who briefed State House media after the security meeting. The military would not permit any attempt to overthrow the democratically elected government, according to the CDS, which also ruled out the possibility of a coup.
You may recall that on Saturday of last week, some demonstrators in the states of Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara, and the Plateau raised the Russian flags in those areas. However, the Chief of Defence Staff declared that those responsible for committing such a serious offence would face the full force 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.”
