Protests Take a Turn with Russian Flags in Nigeria

The ongoing protests in Nigeria, dubbed the #EndBadGovernance protests, recently took a surprising twist. Young Nigerians, particularly in the north, were spotted waving Russian flags, a move that the government has deemed treasonable.

This unexpected display has stirred up considerable controversy, prompting President Tinubu to instruct security chiefs to swiftly address this situation. There have been reports of violent incidents linked to the protests, with President Tinubu calling for immediate action.

Bayo Onanuga, the spokesperson for the President, shared that a meeting was held with security leaders, who reported an uptick in violence during what was initially presented as peaceful demonstrations. He explained that criminals seem to be taking advantage of the protests to cause chaos and engage in looting.

“We will not tolerate anyone flying any foreign flag in Nigeria,” Onanuga quoted the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Musa, emphasizing that such actions would be treated as serious offenses.

The Department of Secret Service (DSS) announced that they have arrested several individuals for showcasing these flags during protests. A trending image on social media showed a tailor in Kano sewing these flags, sparking further discussion about the extent of this movement.

Interestingly, the DSS also clarified that a certain popular figure associated with the flags is not in their custody, even as inquiries continue into those funding the distribution of these flags.

Meanwhile, the protests themselves, which many are labeling as the ‘Hunger protests’, stem from frustrations over Nigeria’s soaring cost of living, with inflation reaching an 18-year high. The government’s recent removal of petrol subsidies and the currency devaluation have intensified these hardships.

Despite President Tinubu’s address appealing for patience, protesters remain undeterred, continuing to demonstrate in cities across the country. The situation has led to tragic losses and unrest in various regions.

Former DSS Director Mike Ejiofor described the protestors carrying Russian flags as a “dangerous development,” indicating potential foreign influence could be at play. He highlighted the need for the government to take serious action against this issue to maintain Nigeria’s sovereignty.