Protests: Why Northerners are displaying Russian flags – Ganduje’s ex-aide, Yakasai

Salihu Tanko Yakasai, former media aide to ex-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, has clarified the reason behind the display of Russian flags by some Northern protesters during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance demonstrations that began on August 1 in response to food inflation and economic hardships.

Yakasai explained that the use of the Russian flags was an attempt by the protesters to capture the federal government’s attention. He noted that Northern Nigerians, informed by news sources like BBC Hausa and DW about recent events in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, are seeking to make a strong statement with this symbolic gesture.

Yakasai also expressed concern that this tactic might attract unwanted attention from external forces who could exploit the situation. Meanwhile, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria has issued a statement distancing itself from the protesters, clarifying that their actions do not represent any official Russian stance or policy.