FG rejects foreign interference, investigates protest violence

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has reiterated Nigeria’s stance against foreign interference in its domestic affairs and highlighted the importance of cordial international relationships.

Tuggar made this known at the briefing of the members of the diplomatic corps on the programme and policies of the Federal Government, in Abuja on Wednesday.

The nationwide #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protest, which commenced on Thursday, August 1, was in response to the hardship experienced by citizens in the country.

Several major highways were blocked, exacerbating the situation.

The #EndBadGovernance protests, which gained momentum in major cities such as Lagos, Kano, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Niger, Kebbi, Abuja, and other northern towns, were marked by violence.

In some instances, security officials’ actions were the catalyst for the violence, while in other cases, it has been driven by overzealous protesters or counter-protesters.

Over the weekend, media reports and footage showed EndBadGovernance protesters carrying Russian flags.

In a national broadcast on Sunday, President Bola Tinubu pleaded with the organisers of the nationwide protest to suspend the action as it had gone violent in some states with the attendant loss of lives and destruction of property.

The PUNCH reported on Monday that operatives of the Nigeria Police Force arrested no fewer than 30 EndBadGovernance protesters waving Russian flags in Kano and other states.

Also, one of the flag producers, identified as Ahmed Bello, was arrested with a large quantity of flags in Kano.

The Minister appealed for continued collaboration from the international community to support Nigeria’s efforts in overcoming its current challenges and achieving a better future for all Nigerians.

“While the government continues to work hard through the various reform programs and measures to address the challenges facing Nigeria and Nigerians, it is pertinent to remind us that no nation tolerates foreign interference in its domestic affairs and that of its citizens. Nigeria is not an exception.

“The government would 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.

“Nigeria cherishes and continues to value the cordial relationships that happily subsist between her and your countries and organisations and will not do anything to undermine or take for granted such relationships.

“Indeed, more than any time before now, 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 Nigerians at home and abroad,” he explained.

In his address, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed the government’s support for peaceful assembly and freedom of expression while committing to investigating the violence and bringing those responsible to justice.

Idris thanked the diplomatic community for their support and assured that the worst of the unrest is over.

He expressed optimism that the government’s policy interventions would soon yield positive results for the nation.

“I want to assure your excellencies that the Federal Government has launched an investigation into the violence that we have seen in the last one week to identify and bring to justice all those responsible.

“We are committed to preventing the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents in the future. I also want to thank you individually and collectively for your support and understanding during that difficult period.

“I want to assure you that the worst is over, and we can now as a nation march forward to enjoy the fruit of all the policy and programme interventions being implemented. I thank you for your kind attention,” he stated.