Hunger Protests: Why Northerners are Displaying Russian Flags – Ganduje’s Ex-Aide Explains

Salihu Tanko Yakasai, former media aide to ex-Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, has shed light on why Russian flags are being waved by some Northern protesters during the ongoing nationwide demonstrations.

The #EndBadGovernance protests, which began on August 1, were launched to express dissatisfaction over food inflation and the deteriorating economic conditions in Nigeria. Despite the focus on these issues, some Northern regions have seen demonstrators displaying Russian flags, as shown in widely circulated videos.

In a post on X, Yakasai clarified that this action is intended to capture the federal government’s attention. He explained, “The average northerner is well-informed. They have heard reports on BBC Hausa and DW about recent events in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. They are using the flag as a means to draw attention from the federal government.”

Yakasai expressed concern that this tactic might inadvertently attract external forces who could exploit the situation.

The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has responded to the situation, issuing a statement to distance itself from the protesters. The embassy emphasized that their actions do not represent any official stance or policy of the Russian government.