The Russian government has distanced itself from allegations linking it to a recent hunger protest in Nigeria.
The government said claims linking it to the protest were coordinated media campaigns by Western and Ukrainian officials in attempts to meddle in Nigeria’s internal affairs and “shift the blame for any consequences onto the Russian Federation.”
Russia in a letter to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs which was shared on Friday by the official Press Secretary of the Russian embassy in Nigeria, Yury Paramonov, faulted statements it credited to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Director of the British Council in Nigeria David Roberts, and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko suggesting that the use of Russian flags during recent protests is evidence of Russia’s interference.
Recall some protesters during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in August were seen waving the Russian flag while chanting slogans, a development that has since generated controversies.
Russia has recently been accused of involvement in recent political upheavals in some West African countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The countries which recently experienced military coups had cut off ties with former colonial masters, France while establishing new ties with Russia, a development that has generated some concerns.
Russia in reaction to the recent allegation on the Nigerian protest claimed that the United States, Britain, and Ukraine were linking it with the protests to destroy the cordial relationship between it and Nigeria, advising the Federal government to ignore the claims.
“In particular, statements by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Director of the British Council in Nigeria David Roberts, and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria Ivan Kholostenko have shamelessly and baselessly suggested that the use of Russian flags during recent protests is evidence of Russia’s interference and have further warned that this could happen again in the future.
“The Embassy categorically rejects such accusations and reiterates that the Russian Federation neither had any involvement in the protests that occurred in the recent past nor does it have any connection to any potential future demonstrations or unrest,” the letter read partly.
The government said “Russia has always respected the sovereignty of Nigeria. We strictly adhere to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of independent states.
“By contrast, the coordinated media campaign by Western and Ukrainian officials and outlets points to their attempts to meddle in Nigeria’s internal affairs and shift the blame for any consequences onto the Russian Federation.
“We greatly value the level of relations between our two countries, support only peaceful dialogue within the legal framework as the proper means to resolve any internal disputes, and once again express our unwavering support for the leadership and the people of Nigeria.”
Yuri said the Embassy had conveyed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s congratulations to President Bola Tinubu on the occasion of Nigeria’s National Day.
“The Embassy also extends its best wishes to the people and Government of Nigeria for prosperity and stability, and we hope for continued cooperation and deepening relations between our two countries,” he said.