Explaining the reason behind Northerners displaying Russian flags amidst the ongoing nationwide protests, Salihu Tanko Yakasai, a former media aide to ex-Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, shared his perspective.
The #EndBadGovernance protests that kicked off on August 1st in Nigeria aimed to voice dissent against food inflation and the challenging economic conditions prevailing in the country.
Interestingly, some Northern regions witnessed protesters waving the Russian flag in viral videos.
Yakasai, in a post on X, mentioned that this gesture was a tactic to capture the attention of the federal government.
In a tweet on Monday, Yakasai stated: “The typical northerner is well-informed.
“They have heard accounts on BBC Hausa & DW regarding the happenings in Mali, Burkina, & Niger.
“Their aim is to draw the FG’s attention using the flag.
“However, my concern is that this might inadvertently attract external forces seeking to exploit the situation.”
The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has distanced itself from the protesters, clarifying in a statement released on Monday that the protestors’ actions do not represent any official stance or policy of the Russian government.