#EndBadGovernance: It’s Treasonable To Hoist Foreign Flags In Nigeria — Tinubu Warns Protesters

With the nationwide protests against hunger and bad governance entering its fifth day on Monday, the National Security Council (NSC) meeting summoned by President Bola Tinubu has declared the hoisting of foreign flags in unauthorized places within Nigeria as a treasonable offence.

In discussing issues of security threats to the country, the meeting, held at the President’s office in the Villa, specifically noted and condemned the protesters’ hoisting of Russian flag in some northern states.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, who addressed State House correspondents after the meeting, described the development as “treasonable”, warning that such misguided actions would not be condoned by the Nigerian state.

This is as he also waved off the possibility of a coup to remove the democratically elected government, warning that the military would not tolerate or allow such ill-conceived plan to succeed in the country.

Reacting to scenes where some protesters in Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara and Plateau states have been seen hoisting the Russian flags during the ongoing nationwide protests, General Musa said those behind and fueling such “grievous offence” against Nigeria would be made to face the full wrath of the law at the appropriate time.

The CDS, while speaking on their mission in the Presidential Villa, said; “We went to brief Mr President on the situation on ground and we know that since the riot (protest) started, all the security agencies are together.

“Initially, when the riot (protest) started they said it was a peaceful riot but we have realised that there are individuals that are willing to take advantage of it to cause mayhem. And we can see clearly what has happened since it has commenced. Criminals have taken over, a lot of looting taking place, stealing and all sorts of things are happening.

“And besides, all of us have seen it where foreign flags have been flown within the sovereignty of Nigeria, and that is totally unacceptable.

“We are warning in clear terms and the President has also said we should convey this, that we will not accept anybody, any individual flying any foreign flag in Nigeria.

“That is treasonable offense, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So nobody shall allow himself to be used by any individual.”

According to him; “For those of them flying flags and if you’ll see a lot of them are kids being pushed to do that, we’re following up with those sponsoring them.

“Those who are pushing them because you know, flags were also made. We have identified those areas and we are going to take serious action against that.The President is clear on his instructions for us not to accept anyone that wants to disrupt the peace and tranquility of Nigeria.

“And we are all standing here together to show Nigerians that we’re working closely, we are working together with synergy to ensure that there’s still peace and tranquility in Nigeria, that we have assured Mr. President.”

General Musa, who also touched on issues around rumoured coup in some quarters, said; “Nigeria is a sovereign nation, Nigeria is a democratic nation all security agencies are here to defend democracy and ensure that democracy continues to thrive.

“We will not accept anyone pushing or taking any action, seemingly or for whatever reason to want to push for any change of government. Democracy is what we stand for, democracy is what will continue to defend.”

The CDS also clarified allegations that some military personnel participated in the looting that occurred in some states, saying; “No. I think it has been cleared. I think it was also a misconception. They actually have seen those things and they wanted to clear them away from the area and that’s what was done.

“We have investigated thoroughly, the Chief of Army Staff is here. we have investigated thoroughly and there is nothing like such. No member of the Armed Forces fell into doing that.”

While amplifying his earlier warning about the military stepping in to quell the protests if things get out of hand, General Musa said; “You can see that some people supervising elements to push individuals to carry Russian flags in Nigeria, Nigeria is a sovereignty, that is crossing the red lines and we will not accept that.

“And those ones who have done that will go in for the books and they will be prosecuted.”

On the need to unmask those behind the violence and other inappropriate actions during the protest, the CDS simply retorted; “I’m sure you have seen them on TV, that is enough for you to see.”

The security council meeting was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, all the Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

Other security and law enforcement agency heads at the meeting included the Director-General of Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi; Comptroller-General of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi; Comptroller-General of  Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap; and Director-General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai.