Hoisting Of Russian Flag By Protesting Nigerians Worrisome, Treasonable, Says LP Chieftain

Chief Yohanna Margif of the Labour Party (LP) has condemned the viral video of some young Nigerians hoisting Russia’s national flag during the country’s ongoing national protests, claiming it is disrespectful to Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Margif discussed his thoughts in an interview in Abuja on Tuesday and described the situation as concerning, treasonable, and indicative of protesters’ ignorance.

The LP leader applauded President Bola Tinubu’s prompt action in directing the nation’s security chiefs to crack down on the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

“First and foremost, I applaud President Bola Tinubu for taking the bold step of quickly directing the nation’s security officials to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators.”

“A protest situation in which some aggrieved Nigerians fly foreign flags within Nigeria’s sovereignty, regardless of their grievances, is disturbing, worrisome, treasonous, and unacceptable.

“This behaviour has the potential to exacerbate an already bad situation, which has resulted in the tragic loss of lives and property; thus, we must acknowledge and support the president’s efforts,” he said.

Aside from the treasonous actions of some individuals, the politician stated that others were taking advantage of the protests to wantonly loot and destroy property, all at the expense of the nation.

Margif stated that President Tinubu’s recent national broadcast, which disclosed the disbursement of N570 billion to the country’s 36 state governments, demanded proper accountability from state governors.

He stated that, given this development, and in light of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on local government autonomy, state governors must be held accountable for the funds’ management.

“I urge Nigerians to shift their attention from national hunger strikes to state-level strikes.

“Let us congratulate the President on his efforts and pledge our support as he works to achieve the New Hope Agenda.

“Together, we can build the Nigeria of our collective dreams,” he stated.

NAN recalls that the President directed security agencies on Monday to crack down on anyone seen flying the Russian flag in the country during the protests.

Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, told State House correspondents following the National Security Council meeting that the President had given them the marching orders after they briefed him on the protests.