Government’s stance on hoisting foreign flags in Nigeria
The Nigerian government has taken a firm stance against the act of hoisting foreign flags within its territory, labeling it a treasonable offense.
This declaration was made by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, after a security council meeting with President Bola Tinubu and other security chiefs on Monday.
The statement was made in the context of the ongoing nationwide protests under the banner of #EndBadGovernance, where some demonstrators have been seen waving Russian flags.
Key points from government statements
The CDS emphasized that flying any foreign flag in Nigeria is unacceptable and constitutes a breach of national sovereignty. He warned that individuals engaging in this act would face prosecution.
Musa reiterated that Nigeria is a democratic nation and that all security agencies are committed to defending democracy. He stated unequivocally that any attempts to instigate a change of government through coups or similar actions would not be tolerated.
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Initially peaceful protests have escalated into violence and looting in several states, prompting the government to impose curfews in areas like Kano and Kaduna. The CDS noted that while many protesters were genuinely expressing grievances about economic conditions, there were also elements attempting to exploit the situation for criminal activities.
The military is actively working to identify those who are allegedly sponsoring the protests and encouraging individuals, particularly youths, to engage in acts such as waving foreign flags.
The President has instructed security forces to maintain peace and tranquility across Nigeria, indicating a zero-tolerance policy towards any disruptions caused by these protests.
The Nigerian government’s declaration regarding the hoisting of foreign flags underscores its commitment to maintaining national sovereignty and stability amidst rising civil unrest. By categorizing such actions as treasonable offenses, the government aims to deter further escalation of protests while reinforcing its dedication to democratic governance.
