Salihu Tanko Yakasai, a former media aide to ex-Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, has explained why Northerners are displaying Russian flags during the nationwide protests.

Nigerians began the #EndBadGovernance protests on August 1, to show their dissent over food inflation and the poor economic situation in the country.

However, in some parts of the North, protesters were seen in viral clips waving the flag of Russia.

Writing on X, Yakasai claimed they were trying to get the attention of the federal government.

Yakasai 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 protesters.

In a statement on Monday, it emphasised that their actions do not reflect any official Russian government policy or position.