Amidst the continuation of hunger protests in parts of the country on the fifth day, President Bola Tinubu met with his security chiefs, including heads of paramilitary agencies, on Monday, where he expressed displeasure over the flying of Russian flags by protesters.
This came as the National Security Council took exception to the subliminal push for a change of government in the country, describing the development as a “treasonable offense.”
Recall that while the protest lasted in some states, Russian flags with red, blue, and white colours were spotted in Kano, Plateau, Kaduna, and Zamfara states.
President Tinubu, according to Presidency sources, told the service chiefs that the trend was totally unacceptable and should be curtailed immediately.
The meeting, which lasted for about two hours, also reviewed the subliminal calls by some non-state actors for a change in government, to which the security chiefs said the President has given them a stern directive to maintain peace and orderliness in the country.
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, who briefed newsmen after the Council meeting, said the protesters carrying Russian flags have crossed the red line and will face the consequences.
Gen Musa, who led the Service Chiefs and other paramilitary heads to the meeting, told State House reporters that the actions of the protesters, characterised by looting and destruction of public property, justify the federal government’s position against the protest ab initio.
The CDS labelled the protest as a riot, saying, “We briefed Mr. President on the situation on the ground and we know that since the riot started, all the security agencies, you can see all of us together. Initially, when the riot started, they said it was a peaceful protest, but we have realised that there are individuals willing to take advantage of it to cause mayhem.
“We can see clearly what has happened since it commenced. Criminals have taken over, a lot of looting is taking place, stealing, and all sorts are happening.
“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 a 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, and all security agencies are here to defend democracy and ensure that democracy continues to strive. 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 flying flags, and if you notice, a lot of them are kids being pushed to do that.
“We’re following up with those who are sponsoring them. Those who 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 who wants to disrupt the peace and tranquillity 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 is still peace and tranquillity in Nigeria, that we have assured Mr. President.”
The CDS dismissed allegations that some military personnel partook in the looting in some states.
“No. I think it has been cleared; I think it was also a misconception. They actually saw those things and they wanted to clear them away from that 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 that; no member of the Armed Forces fell into doing that. And he’s very clear.
“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, Nigerian sovereignty, that is crossing the red line, and we will not accept that. And those who have done that will go in for the books and will be prosecuted.”
The meeting also had in attendance Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun, among others.
