. Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has publicly challenged the Nigerian military’s assertion that waving the Russian flag at protests constitutes treasonable felony.
This development follows significant unrest in several northern states, including Kaduna and Kano, where protesters have turned to displaying foreign symbols as part of their demonstrations.
In a recent interview on Channel Television, Effiong strongly disagreed with the military’s interpretation of the flag-waving incidents.
He argued that the use of foreign flags, including the Russian banner, should not be classified as treasonous behavior.
Effiong’s statements come after Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa labeled the act as an affront to national sovereignty.
“The idea that carrying a Russian flag during protests amounts to treason is a misinterpretation of the law,” Effiong argued.
“Waving foreign flags in Nigeria has never been classified as an offense. Schools, hotels, and even government buildings often display foreign flags without any legal repercussions.”
Effiong’s comments are a direct response to the recent military crackdown on protesters, some of whom have been arrested for their involvement in the demonstrations.
Beginning on August 1, the #EndBadGovernance protests emerged from widespread discontent over economic conditions and government policies.
With thousands taking to the streets, demonstrators are demanding urgent government intervention to address the soaring cost of living and other socio-economic issues.
Several violent incidents, including deaths and looting, have marred the protests, intensifying the tense situation and prompting calls for an end to the protests.
While the Northern parts of the country have been rocked by the incidents of violence and arson, the South East and South West have largely experienced peaceful rallies.
In a bid to seek alternative support, some demonstrators began waving Russian flags, a move that has since attracted significant attention and controversy.
General Musa’s comments on the issue reflect a broader concern among Nigerian security forces about the potential implications of foreign symbols in domestic protests.
“You can see that some subversive elements are pushing individuals to carry Russian flags in Nigeria; that is crossing the red line, and we will not accept that,” Musa stated.
The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has weighed in on the situation, clarifying that the display of its flag by protesters does not reflect official Russian diplomatic positions.
The embassy described the act as a personal choice of the individuals involved, rather than a coordinated diplomatic gesture.
Effiong, however, dismissed the military’s concerns as misplaced. “The use of the Russian flag in this context is a distraction from the core issues of governance that the protesters are addressing,” he said.
“The flag itself does not constitute a criminal act. What matters is whether there is a genuine plot to undermine the government or seek foreign intervention, which I do not believe is the case here.”
Effiong further emphasized that the legal definition of treason involves acts of war against the state or attempts to overthrow the government.
“Waving a flag, whether Russian or any other, does not meet the legal threshold for treason,” he explained.
“Treason involves a concerted effort to topple the government or intimidate high officials, not just the display of a foreign flag.”
The controversy over the use of Russian flags has intensified as authorities continue to investigate those involved in producing and distributing the flags.
Reports indicate that some individuals believed to be behind the flag production have been detained on charges related to treason.
Effiong has called for clarity and caution in these proceedings, stressing that due process must be followed and that accusations should be based on concrete evidence rather than symbolism.
