Protesters Wave Russian Flags in Nigeria Amidst Governance Concerns

A wave of protests has recently hit Nigeria, where many demonstrators are waving Russian flags as a sign of their discontent with the current government. This unusual trend was first spotted in Kano and has since spread to other areas, including Abuja.

On Monday, protesters were seen holding Russian flags near the Nyanya bridge, voicing their frustrations with President Bola Tinubu. Some young protesters expressed doubts about Tinubu’s intentions, with one, named Auwalu Idi, stating, «We are raising the Russian flag because we believe Tinubu is playing his imperial masters’ scripts.» They feel that outside influences from organizations like the World Bank and the IMF are affecting Nigeria’s governance.

The protests continued to escalate over the weekend, despite the imposition of a curfew. People marched through Kano, calling for intervention from Russian President Vladimir Putin. In other parts of the country, such as Jos, protesters showed up with both Russian and Japanese flags, prompting organizers to cut their activities short due to safety concerns.

In response to the nationwide unrest, President Tinubu addressed the country, urging protesters to cease their actions and engage in dialogue with the government instead. He highlighted the importance of preserving democracy and warned against being misled by those with unconstitutional agendas.

However, the presence of the Russian flag at the protests has only increased in the wake of Tinubu’s address. Many protesters chanted slogans expressing their struggles, with one group in Katsina shouting, «Hunger is killing us.» This indicates a deep-rooted frustration among the youth regarding economic hardships.

As the protests unfold, the police are beginning to intervene more forcefully, deploying tear gas to disperse the crowds. The situation remains tense as demonstrators continue to rally for change in their governance.