KCGF demands probe, prosecution of foreign flag wavers during #EndBadGovernance protest
By: Austine Agbo Emmanuel
http://www.newsportng.com.ng Coalition, the Kaduna Concerned Groups Forum, (KCGF) has called on president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to as a matter of urgency investigate and prosecute those behind the foreign flag that was waved in some parts of the country during the Nationwide protest.
This is as the group said that they observed a lot of foreign interference by foreign government and their agents in Nigeria’s domestic affairs, despite being a sovereign nation.
Making reference specifically to the Russian Flag that was waved in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano and other states during the #EndBadGovernance protest, the state Coordinator, KCGF Comrd Kamal Muhammad in a press statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna on Friday noted that the issue is crucial and is of national significance, hence, the need for the Federal Government to take decisive action against foreign interference in her internal affair
Comrade Kamal, further reiterated that while the right to peaceful protest is fundamental to the consolidation of democratic governance, the display of foreign symbols is a flagrant violation of the Nigerian laws, national unity and patriotism. He stressed that unpatriotic actions can erode the trust between citizens and the government that are crucial for addressing Nigeria’s challenges and advancing national interests, and as such sensitive matters of such magnitude should not be taken for granted.
He avered that “the sovereignty of a nation is its most treasured asset. It enables countries to govern and shape their own future without external intrusion. However, the Kaduna Concerned Groups Forum (KCGF) has observed a lot of foreign interference by foreign government and their agents in Nigeria’s domestic affairs.
“This issue crucial and is of national significance. Hence, there is the need for the Federal Government of Nigeria to take decisive action against foreign interference in our internal affairs. KGCF is therefore advocating for a strong and unified response to protect Nigeria’s autonomy and uphold the integrity of our democratic processes. Addressing these foreign influences is essential to preserving our national stability, ensuring that Nigeria’s decisions and policies remain in the hands of its people.
“KGCF strongly condemns the display of foreign flags by a segment of protesters during the recent national peaceful protest in Nigeria. During the nationwide protest, which was intended to address critical domestic issues and express the collective voice of Nigerian citizens, a small fraction of Nigerians collude with foreigners to display foreign flags. This act not only undermines the unity and sovereignty of Nigeria but also raises serious questions about the motives and affiliations of those involved.
“We urge the federal government to take decisive action against those responsible for this provocative, unpatriotic and divisive act to prevent its future occurrence.
“KGCF emphasizes that while the right to peaceful protest is fundamental to the consolidation of democratic governance, the display of foreign symbols in this context is a flagrant violation of our laws, national unity and patriotism. Such unpatriotic actions can erode the trust between citizens and the government that are crucial for addressing Nigeria’s challenges and advancing national interests.
“While we acknowledged the constitutional rights of Nigerians to protest as enshrine in the Nigeria’s 1999 constitution (as amended), our demand for prosecution of these disgruntle elements are anchored on the displaying foreign flags during a national protest send a troubling message about the commitment of certain individuals to Nigeria’s sovereignty and collective progress.
“KCGF believes that displaying foreign flags during national protest is lack of patriotism or allegiance to the country. It can also be interpreted as signaling a preference for or reliance on external entities rather than working within the framework of national unity.
“This act has the potential to inflame divisions within the country and distract the government from addressing the legitimate grievances being voiced by the broader protest movement. This raises concerns that the protests were manipulated by external actors with their own agendas, rather than being a genuine expression of domestic concerns.
“The presence of foreign symbols may be used to undermine national security and stability, giving undue leverage to external entities seeking to exploit domestic issues for their own agendas. Of recent, we have seen how foreign actors collude with unpatriotic citizens destabilizes many African countries, including Sudan, Libya and Mali.
“In light of the above concerns, KCGF calls on the federal government to:
Investigate the incident by conducting a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for displaying foreign flags during the protest.
“Enforce legal consequences by applying appropriate legal measures to ensure that such actions do not go unpunished and that justice is served in accordance with Nigerian laws.
“Overall, KCGF believe that displaying foreign flags was an attempt to undermine national sovereignty which suggest that some individuals or groups do not fully support the country’s independence and governance structures. This is an affront to national dignity and autonomy.
“KCGF remains committed to supporting peaceful and constructive dialogue that fosters national unity and progress. We believe that holding those accountable for acts that undermine our country’s sovereignty is essential for preserving the integrity of our democratic institutions and processes.”
KCGF demands probe, prosecution of foreign flag wavers during #EndBadGovernance protest
