In an unexpected turn during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests, some northern states have seen demonstrators waving Russian flags and calling out to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The protests, which began on August 1, are a response to severe food inflation and the deteriorating economic situation under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Salihu Tanko Yakasai, a former media aide to ex-Governor of Kano State Abdullahi Ganduje, has offered an explanation for this unusual display. Writing on social media platform X, Yakasai indicated that the protesters’ actions are a strategic move to capture the federal government’s attention. He explained, “The average northerner is well informed. They heard stories on BBC Hausa & DW of what happened in Mali, Burkina, & Niger. They want to use the flag to get the attention of FG. My fear is that they may end up getting the attention of external forces who’ll take advantage of it.”
The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has promptly disassociated itself from the protests. In a statement, the Embassy clarified that the use of Russian flags does not represent any official stance or policy of the Russian government regarding the internal matters of Nigeria.
As the protests continue, the display of Russian flags has sparked significant discussion and concern about potential foreign influence and the broader implications for Nigeria’s political stability.
