Russia Refutes Being Involve In Hunger Protest, Accuses US And UK Of Trying To Destroy Its Ties With Nigeria

 

The Russian government has denied taking part in the hunger protest that happened in Nigeria on October 1st.

They claim that the USA and UK are attempting to harm Russia’s relationship with Nigeria by linking it to the recent protests.

This was revealed in a letter to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was provided to Daily Trust on Friday by Yury Paramonov, the Press Secretary of the Russian embassy in Nigeria.

According to GistLover, during the protest, some demonstrators waved Russian flags and shouted slogans, while others displayed signs with various messages.

Russia, a significant global power, faces accusations of meddling in the political unrest in several West African countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

This situation has raised alarms about foreign interference in the region.

In response, Russia claimed that the U.S., Britain, and Ukraine are trying to associate it with the protests to damage its good relationship with Nigeria, advising the Nigerian government to disregard these allegations.

“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 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 letter read in part.

Yuri said 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,” he said.