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A fresh wave of hostility has swept over Russia and Ukraine, sparked by reciprocal accusations of interference in Nigeria’s domestic politics. As the situation continues to deteriorate, concerns are growing about the potential consequences for regional stability.
Russia fired off a strongly-worded warning to the United States, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom on Friday, vehemently denying accusations that it was fueling unrest in Nigeria. The move marks a significant ratcheting up of tensions between Russia and the Western nations.
Russia has fired back at its accusers, asserting that the United States, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom are the true culprits in Nigeria’s internal affairs. In a statement, Russia claimed these nations are attempting to sabotage its bilateral ties with Nigeria, undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Concerns about external interference have intensified in the wake of widespread protests across Nigeria on October 1, prompting a stern warning from authorities. This development highlights the escalating worries over foreign influence in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
The August 1 protests, triggered by President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, have evolved into sustained anti-government demonstrations. Critics argue that the removal of vital subsidies and the naira’s devaluation have worsened Nigeria’s economic woes, galvanizing widespread dissent.
During August’s protests in Kano, the unexpected appearance of Russian flags sparked alarm about potential foreign intervention in Nigeria’s domestic issues. The arrest of multiple protesters underscored the gravity of the situation, highlighting the delicate balance between national sovereignty and external influence.
Russia’s burgeoning presence in West Africa has reached Nigeria’s doorstep, sparking anxiety among citizens after Russian flags appeared at recent protests. This development raises questions about Russia’s intentions and Nigeria’s ability to maintain its independence.
October 1 saw a renewed surge of protests across Nigeria, with young people driving the push for change. As they demand action on long-standing issues, their determination underscores the power of grassroots activism.
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In response, the Russian Press Secretary, Yury Paramonov, rejected claims made by certain Western and Ukrainian media outlets that Russia could be behind the unrest.
According to the embassy, figures such as the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken; a former Director of the British Council in Nigeria, David Roberts; and Ukraine’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko, suggested that the presence of Russian flags in recent protests was evidence of Russia’s interference.
“I would like to share with you our note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, which we sent at the end of September when there were rumors of potential unrest in Nigeria, and the embassies of the USA, the UK, and Ukraine were prematurely trying to blame Russia for it. As expected, all these claims turned out to be fabrications and attempts to create discord between the friendly peoples of Russia and Nigeria.
“The Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Federal Republic of Nigeria has taken note of the media reports circulating about possible protests in Nigeria at the beginning of October this year.
“The embassy is also dismayed by the fact that certain Western and Ukrainian media outlets are attempting to preemptively accuse Russia of involvement in, or even organising such unrest.
“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 statement read in part.
Russia’s diplomatic mission in Nigeria categorically rejected claims of meddling in the recent protests, stressing that the country maintains a hands-off approach to foreign internal conflicts. This assertion underscores Russia’s official stance on non-intervention.
Moscow’s embassy in Nigeria has fired back, accusing Western and Ukrainian officials of waging a targeted media campaign to disrupt Nigeria’s internal stability and wrongly accuse Russia of meddling.
