I Am Afraid- Ganduje’s Ex-Aide Breaks Silence On Why Northern Youths Use Russian Flags To Protest Against Tinubu’s Govt

Salihu Tanko Yakasai, a former media aide to ex-Governor of Kano State Abdullahi Ganduje, has provided insights into why Northerners are displaying Russian flags during nationwide protests against Bola Tinubu’s government.

Nigerians began the #EndBadGovernance protests on August 1, in response to food inflation and the poor economic situation. In some northern states, protesters were seen waving Russian flags in viral videos and chanting to the Russian President, Vladimir Putin.

Yakasai, writing on X, suggested that this action aims to attract the federal government’s attention. He tweeted on Monday, “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 already distanced itself from the protests, stating that the actions do not reflect any official Russian government policy or position.