Shiite Sect Infiltrates #EndBadGovernance Protests

Shiite Sect Infiltrates #EndBadGovernance Protests: Security sources have revealed that members of the Shiite sect, operating under the banner of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria,

have infiltrated the ranks of #EndBadGovernance protesters in several

northern cities in Nigeria. The sect, which is a minority Islamic group in

Nigeria, has been accused of waving Russian flags during protest marches

in Kano, Abuja, and Jos. This has raised concerns about the true motives

of the protesters and the potential for external influence.

The Shiite sect is believed to receive support from countries with majority Shia Muslim populations, such as Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Bahrain. In Kano, hundreds

of underage youths took to the streets, calling on Russian President Vladimir

Putin to intervene in Nigeria, with some even calling for a military coup.

Similar scenes were seen in Abuja and Jos, with protesters displaying placards calling for Russian military takeover.

the motive

The motives of the Shiite sect in Nigeria are unclear, but their involvement in the protests has raised concerns about the potential for external interference. In neighboring

Niger, members of the sect supported the military junta that overthrew

President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. In Nigeria, members of the

sect are believed to be involved in major political parties and are accused

of sponsoring youths calling for Russian takeover or chanting “soldier muke so” (we want soldiers).

Government officials and elder statesmen have expressed concerns about the

infiltration of the protests by sponsored groups. The Kano State Commissioner

of Police, Salman Garba, confirmed that some of the youths who participated

in the protest were hiding under a program organized by an unnamed politician in the state. Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, a Kano-based elder statesman, described those calling for

military takeover as anarchists, saying they were sponsored by people who

don’t like Nigeria and want to destroy the country.

the Russian Government

Meanwhile, Russian government has categorically denied any involvement in

the recent display of Russian flags during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria

protests sweeping across Nigeria. In a statement issued on Monday, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria emphasized that neither the Russian government nor any Russian officials are involved in or coordinating these activities. The embassy noted that it had taken cognizance of reports in Nigerian media and the circulation of videos and images on digital media depicting protesters in northern states carrying Russian flags and chanting slogans to Russian

President Vladimir Putin.

The Russian government reiterated its commitment to non-interference

in the domestic affairs of foreign states, including Nigeria. It clarified that

the decision of some protesters to wave Russian flags was a personal choice

and did not reflect any official position or policy of the Russian government.

The statement emphasized Russia’s respect for Nigerian democracy and

its belief that peaceful demonstrations, conducted in conformity with Nigerian law, are a manifestation of democracy.

the government

However, the Russian government warned that it would condemn

any disruptions or acts of violence that may arise from these events.

The statement serves as a clear disclaimer of any involvement or endorsement

of the protests by the Russian government, and underscores its commitment to diplomatic norms and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.