Following the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, a collective of civil society organizations known as the Nigerian Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders Council Worldwide has strongly criticized the display of Russian flags. The group has called on the Federal Government to take decisive measures against those responsible for this act, labeling them as “coupists” and demanding prosecution.
After a National Emergency Council meeting, the coalition lauded the security agencies for apprehending individuals brandishing the flags but voiced concerns that the masterminds behind the scenes remain unidentified. They decried the infusion of criminal elements into the protests, which led to instances of looting and vandalism of both public and private properties. The group commended Nigerian youths for heeding their advice to steer clear of the tumultuous demonstrations.
Signed by representatives from various ethnic youth councils, including Terry Obeih, President General of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council, and Oladotun Hassan Esq, President of the Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide, the statement underscored the urgency for the government to nab and prosecute the perpetrators to prevent further subversion of the nation.
The CSOs emphasized the need for swift action against those involved in the treasonable act, cautioning that failure to do so could embolden them to orchestrate more disruptive activities against the country.
“Despite some pockets of protests still occurring in certain areas, the situation could have escalated. Fortunately, the majority of our youths demonstrated wisdom by steering clear of the protests,” remarked the group.
Expressing further dismay, the coalition stated, “The introduction of criminality, particularly through looting and destruction of properties, tarnished the noble cause of the protests, underscoring why we advocated for the cessation of the protests.”
The CSOs voiced alarm over the waving of Russian flags during the protests, branding it a deliberate ploy by anti-government elements: “The individuals apprehended for carrying the flags are not the true instigators but merely pawns in the scheme of things. It is imperative that they cooperate with the security agencies to reveal the real orchestrators behind this treacherous act.”
“Once the masterminds are unmasked, we insist that the government takes swift action to ensure their arrest, prosecution, and proper accountability,” the statement concluded.