Salihu Tanko Yakasai, an aide to the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has offered insights into the recent emergence of Russian flags among protestors in Northern Nigeria during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.
These demonstrations, which commenced on August 1, are driven by public discontent over surging food prices and the broader economic challenges facing Nigeria.
However, a segment of protestors in Northern Nigeria has been displaying Russian flags, sparking significant concerns, especially from the federal government and military leadership. Yakasai, writing on X, clarified that the use of the Russian flag by Northern protestors is a deliberate strategy aimed at capturing the federal government’s attention.
He highlighted that a significant number of individuals in the North have been informed about events in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger via media outlets such as BBC Hausa and DW.
He stated, “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 Nigerian Military has pledged to take legal action against individuals accountable for displaying the flags.”
Additionally, the Russian Embassy issued a statement on Monday asserting that the protestors’ use of the Russian flag does not reflect any formal policy or position of the Russian government.
, Abdullahi Ganduje, has offered insights into the recent emergence of Russian flags among protestors in Northern Nigeria during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.){kind=link}