Activist lawyer, Femi Falana, has denounced individuals who are brandishing the Russian flag and advocating for the removal of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing them of committing treason.
Falana cautioned those involved in these acts, asserting that waving the Russian flag during protests constitutes an abuse of constitutional rights.
In a statement to the press on Monday, Falana emphasized that while protesters are entitled to peaceful demonstrations within the law, there is a distinction between lawful protest and unlawful actions.
He remarked, “Accordingly, the right to protest is required to be exercised peacefully within the ambit of the law.
“While we have supported the right of the #endbadgovernance protesters, we have a patriotic duty to call on them to distance themselves from the undemocratic forces who have taken advantage of the peaceful protests to engage in violence or campaign for another military coup in the country.
“It has become necessary to point out that calling for a military coup or waving the flag of Russia, a country that is noted for supporting unconstitutional change of government in Africa, constitutes a gross abuse of the constitutional right to protest against the Government of Nigeria.
“The legitimate protests against hardship in the land should not be turned into a campaign for unconstitutional change of government.
“Therefore, those who are involved in the illegal campaign for another military rule are advised to stop it forthwith. Otherwise, they may be accused of engaging in the offence of treasonable felony in contravention of section 41 of the Criminal Code Act.”
