A former British diplomat, David Roberts, has sounded the alarm over potential foreign interference in the planned October protests in Nigeria, urging the federal government to exercise caution. In a press release statement on Thursday, September 19, 2024, Roberts, who previously served as director of the British Council in Nigeria, warned that foreign interests may exploit Nigerian’s genuine concerns about the rising cost of living to destabilize the country.
The Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens had on August 28, 2024, in Osogbo threatened to stage large-scale protests if the government fails to address the high cost of living by October 1, 2024. Roberts pointed to the recent revelation by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken that an African media outlet supporting the August #EndBadGovernance protests was an undercover Russian intelligence operation aimed at destabilizing Nigeria.
“In light of the wide use of Russian flags in the last days of rage protests and taking this new revelation by the U.S. Secretary of State, Nigeria ought to be very careful about the proposed October 1 protest,” the former envoy said in a statement yesterday, adding that “Nigeria should take more care and alert its citizenry to the truth about such platforms and their agents.
“At a briefing in Washington last week, Blinken accused an African media outlet of working for Russia, contrary to its claim of mainstreaming Africa’s interests.
Roberts emphasized that the display of Russian flags during the August protests in the North and Blinken's revelation warrant caution. He advised the federal government to take the October protest threat seriously and take proactive measures to prevent potential destabilization.
This warning comes on the heels of the federal government's assertion that external bodies backed the August protests, leading to treason charges against a Briton, David Wynne, and 12 Nigerian citizens. The government's concerns about foreign interference may be validated by Roberts' warning, highlighting the need for vigilance in the face of potential external manipulation.
Niger Delta Connect had earlier reported that Andrew Wynne, a British national declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force, indicated he will not turn himself in because he fears for his life in the hands of the police.
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