The Russian government has issued a new warning to Nigeria, accusing the United States and the United Kingdom of attempting to meddle in the country’s internal affairs and undermine its relationship with Russia, News About Nigeria reports.
This comes as the Russian Embassy in Nigeria firmly denied any involvement in the October 1st hunger protest that took place in the country.
In a letter addressed to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russia’s Press Secretary, Yury Paramonov, reiterated Russia’s respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and its commitment to non-interference in domestic matters.
Paramonov also alleged that Western nations, particularly the US, UK, and Ukraine, were spreading false claims about Russia’s role in the protests.
The Russian Embassy cited specific examples of what it described as baseless accusations, pointing to comments made by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Director of the British Council in Nigeria David Roberts, and Ukraine’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko.
These officials had suggested that the presence of Russian flags during the protests indicated Russian involvement.
“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,” the Russian Embassy said.
The Embassy strongly denied these claims, stating, “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.”
The government said “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.”
