The Russian Government has expressed concern that the United States and the United Kingdom are attempting to damage its ties with Nigeria by associating the country with the hunger protest that took place on August 1.
This message was conveyed in a letter from the Russian Government to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Yury Paramonov, the official Press Secretary of the Russian embassy in Nigeria, on Friday in Abuja.
Russia has also been accused of meddling in recent political disturbances in several West African nations, such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This has raised concerns about external interference in regional affairs.
Despite being a major global power, Russia has been accused by the United States, Britain, and Ukraine of being involved in these protests in an attempt to harm its friendly relationship with Nigeria. The Russian government has urged the Nigerian government to be cautious of these accusations.”
“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.
“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.
