October 04, (THEWILL) – The Russian government has denied any involvement in any protest including Tuesday’s #FearlessInOctober protests in Nigeria, accusing the United States, United Kingdom (UK) and Ukraine, of attempts to damage its relations through baseless accusations of its involvement in the protests.
A letter from the Russian Government to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the official Press Secretary of the Russian embassy in Nigeria, Yury Paramonov, cited 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, as examples of unfounded claims, which “shamelessly and baselessly suggested that the use of Russian flags during recent protests is evidence of Russia’s interference” in Nigeria.
The letter, however, emphasised that Russia respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and adheres to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.
It reads in part: “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 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.”
