Punish promoters of Russian flag during protest – Group

The Nigerian Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders Council Worldwide has urged the Federal Government to ensure that those behind the display and sponsorship of the Russian-colour flags during the #EndBadGovernance In Nigeria protest are brought to book.

The leadership of the council disclosed its stance via a statement issued on Sunday after the council’s emergency meeting.

Arewa PUNCH reports that the statement was signed by the various regional and youth leaders and has among others, the endorsement of the President General, Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council, Comrade Terry Obeih; President, Northern Youth Council/Vice President, NENYLCW, Alhaji Balarabe Rufai; President, Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide/ Secretary General, Aare Oladotun Hassan Esq; National President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide/ Publicity Secretary, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike; President, Middle-Belt Youth Council/ Organising Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Zopmal; and the President, North-East Youth Assembly/Treasurer, Alhaji Hamisu Dass.

The youth leaders, who described the sponsors of the Russian-colour flags as “coupists,” insisted that the security agencies must bring them to book.

The statement read in parts, “We want to first of all thank the Nigerian youths for heeding our call not to join the nationwide protest.

“It is our clear observation that even though the protest was still held in some locations across the country, it could have been worse off. But the majority of the youths gave heed to the voice of reason and stayed away.

“We also condemn the introduction of criminality into the protest, which manifested in the area of looting and destruction of some private and national assets. This is the same reason we had called for the abortion of the protest,” the group stated.

The statement reads, “More worrisome is the display of Russian flags in some locations during the protest. This is nothing but an action orchestrated by coupists, people who don’t mean well for the country.

“Even though the security agencies arrested some of those bearing the flags, the truth is that they are not the real culprits; rather, they are just victims of circumstances.

“However, those arrested should assist the security agencies in exposing those behind the treasonable act.

“Once they are exposed, the government should ensure that they are arrested, prosecuted, and brought to book.

“Anything less than this would give them an air of freedom to further plot against the country.”