The Russian government has officially denied any involvement in the recent hunger protests in Nigeria, dismissing accusations that it played a role in the unrest.
In a letter to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared by Yury Paramonov, the Press Secretary of the Russian Embassy in Nigeria, Russia criticized statements from 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.
These officials had suggested that the presence of Russian flags during the protests indicated Russian interference.
Russia rejected these allegations, asserting that they were part of a coordinated media campaign by Western and Ukrainian authorities aimed at damaging the relationship between Nigeria and Russia.
The letter emphasized that Russia has always respected Nigeria’s sovereignty and adheres to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations.
Russia also pointed out that the protests, including those where Russian flags were seen during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement, had nothing to do with its government.
Instead, it accused the U.S., the U.K., and Ukraine of trying to blame Russia for the unrest.
The Russian government reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful dialogue within Nigeria’s legal framework and expressed continued support for the Nigerian government.
It also conveyed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s congratulations to President Bola Tinubu on Nigeria’s National Day, emphasizing the hope for ongoing cooperation between the two countries.
“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 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.”
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.
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