August 05, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian military has described as a treasonable offence, the hoisting of foreign flags by Nigerian protesters.
It also reiterates its commitment to defend democracy in Nigeria, saying “Democracy is what we stand for, democracy is what we will continue to defend.”
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, stated these while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the National Security Council meeting, chaired by President Bola Tinubu, in Abuja on Monday.
He said, “We went to brief Mr President on the situation on the ground and we know that since the riot (protest) started, all the security agencies are together.
“Initially, when the riot (protest) started they said it was a peaceful riot but we have realised that there are individuals that are willing to take advantage of it, to cause mayhem. And we can clearly see what has happened since it commenced. Criminals have taken over, a lot of looting taking place, stealing and all sorts of things are happening.
“And 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 shall allow himself to be used by any individual.
”For those of them flying flags and if you’ll see a lot of them are kids being pushed to do that, we’re following up with those sponsoring them.
“Those who are pushing them because you know, flags were also made. We have identified those areas and we are going to take serious action against them. The President is clear in 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’s still peace and tranquillity in Nigeria, that we have assured Mr President.
”Also the issue of coups, Nigeria is a sovereign nation, Nigeria is a democratic nation all security agencies are here to defend democracy and ensure that democracy continues to thrive.
“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.”
Asked to clarify the allegations that some soldiers partook in the looting in some states, the army chief said, “No. I think it has been cleared, I think it was also a misconception. They have seen those things and they wanted to clear them away from the 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 such. No member of the Armed Forces fell into doing that.
“You can see that some people supervising elements to push individuals to carry Russian flags in Nigeria, Nigeria is a sovereignty, that is crossing the red lines and we will not accept that. And those who have done that will go in for the books and they will be prosecuted.”
Further asked whether those behind the action have been identified, he simply responded, “I’m sure you have seen them on TV, that is enough for you to see.”
