By Funso Alarape
Thursday August 8, 2024
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The security operatives have begun a crackdown on the #EndBadGovernance protesters as leaders and organizers have reportedly gone underground and switched off their phones.
Some of the protest leaders have been arrested and detained by the security operatives.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) claimed it has arrested seven Polish nationals for allegedly raising the Russian flag during protests in Kano State.
Spokesman of the secret police, Dr. Peter Afunanya, said they were being interrogated.
A few days ago, media reports and footage showed some #EndBadGovernance protesters carrying Russian flags.
Also yesterday, the Federal Government warned against foreign interference in the cost of living protests in some parts of the country.
It said “appropriate action” would be meted out to any “foreign entity residing in Nigeria” that directly or indirectly played a role in the demonstrations.
The government said it had launched an investigation into the violence that trailed the protests which began a week ago.
The Police on Tuesday announced the arrest of six Spaniards for their alleged involvement in the protests.
Many demonstrators arrested in Kano and Kaduna states for brandishing the Russian flag during the protests are also currently being held by security agencies.
Afunanya said: “For the persons we have picked up from Kano because of where they were found during the protest and display of the foreign flag, that was two days ago.
“As a responsible security organization, we owe it an obligation to do some verification and ascertain basic reasons and circumstances for some cases.
“They were picked as a result of security enforcement because of where they were when the incident happened.
“It is not a targeted operation on behalf of the DSS and Nigeria.
“But we have a plea: in the cause of the discharge of our duty, we will also see that some Nigerians definitely would want to use foreign lands as a launch pad to attack domestic peace and stability.
“We plead that you do not offer your country to some person who may be deviant or have a terrorist inclination.
“Nigeria is a country with a large population and I believe that the support other countries will give will help us.”
He assured that the arrests were not a targeted attempt on Polish nationals.
Afunanya warned that the government would not spare anyone found guilty of funding the protests.
He urged Nigerians to be patient with the Federal Government.
The DSS had earlier vowed to name sponsors of foreign-flag-flying protesters to promote insurrection in the country.
Foreign nations should steer clear
Also speaking during a diplomatic corp briefing, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar stressed the value the government placed on the “cordial relationships it has with many foreign nations,” but said Nigeria would not fold its hands and watch foreign entities meddle in its internal affairs.
He said: “The government would take appropriate action against any foreign entity residing in Nigeria that is found to have directly or indirectly supported the protesters by whatever means or seeks to interfere in the internal affairs of the country.
“Nigeria cherishes and continues to value the cordial relationships that happily subsist between her and your countries and organizations and will not do anything to undermine or take for granted such relationships.
‘’Indeed, more than any time before now, we solicit your understanding and collaboration in the ongoing efforts of the Federal government in addressing the economic challenges confronting the country, to achieve a better life for every Nigerian at home and abroad.”
The minister told the diplomatic corps that President Tinubu ‘’understands the pains and frustration driving the protests’’ and is doing everything to address them.
Lawyers, APC chieftain flay display of foreign flag
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ahamba; former Chairman of the Imo State branch of Nigerian Bar Association(NBA) Jude Ogamba and Director-General of the Confederation of All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups, Kailani Muhammad, have described the use of foreign flag by some demonstrators as deplorable.
They said the act was not only treasonable but against our citizenship.
Ahamba said: ‘’They started a protest with good intentions, only to end up flying another nation’s flag. Can the Russian government provide you with food? Flying that flag is against your citizenship.”
Ogamba, who advised the Federal Government to address the suffering in the country, said the use of the flag amounted to a “desecration of the country’s independence.”
Muhammad challenged the government to ensure the protest did not escalate.
“Historically, we have witnessed events such as the Tiv Massacre, the Wild-Wild West of the 1960s, and the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1971. Although Nigeria has survived these challenges, the nation continues to bear the scars,’’ he said.
President General of Ogbako Ndigbo Nile, Akpelu Azunna, also condemned the act but urged the government to reduce the suffering in the land.
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