By Joshua Odeyemi
The Russian government has distanced itself from the October 1st hunger protest in Nigeria, claiming that western countries are trying to destroy its relationship with Nigeria by linking the country with the unrest.
This is contained in a letter from the Russian government to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs which was shared with Daily Trust on Friday by Yury Paramonov, official Press Secretary of the Russian embassy in Nigeria.
Some protesters were seen waving Russian flag and chanting slogans, while others held placards with various messages during the protest.
Russia, a global power, has been accused of involvement in recent political upheavals in several West African countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
This has sparked concerns about external interference in regional affairs.
But Russia 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.
“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 clearly 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,” the letter read in part.
Yuri said the Embassy had conveyed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s congratulations to President Bola Ahmed 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.
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