As the #EndBadGovernance protest enters its seventh day on Wednesday (today, August 7), the federal government has warned it will not tolerate interference by any foreign power in the ongoing local protests.
The government specifically said it will take appropriate action against any foreign entity residing in Nigeria that is found to have directly or indirectly supported the protesters.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, stated this while briefing the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja.
The government’s warning comes amidst the raising of Russian flags in both Kano and Abuja, following the commencement of the protest on August 1, 2024.
In attendance were the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; the Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello; the Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Oluwole Oke; the Spokesperson, Department of State Security Service (DSS), Peter Afunaya, among others.
Tuggar said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the campaign against military dictatorship in the 1990s and believed in Nigeria’s democracy and that freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and the right to descent are fundamental.
Tuggar however said Nigeria is a country under the rule of law and no one can tolerate the thuggish behaviour of fringe elements and those who stand behind them.
He also said that while the government continues to work hard through the various reform programmes and measures to address the challenges facing Nigeria and Nigerians, it is pertinent to remind the Diplomatic Corps that no nation tolerates foreign interference in its domestic affairs and that of its citizens.
“Nigeria is not an exception. The government will 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,” Tuggar said.
Tuggar further said Nigeria cherishes and continues to value the cordial relationships that happily subsists between her and the individual countries and organisations and will not do anything to undermine or take for granted, such relationships.
“Indeed, more than at any time before, 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,” Tuggar stated.
