Bashir Ahmad, ex-aide of former President Muhammadu Buhari has raised a security alarm as some protesters in the north were seen waving Russian flags during the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest.
Recall that due to severe economic hardships in Nigeria, youths began protests on Thursday, continuing into Friday, across Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, and other regions, demanding an end to hunger and poor governance.
While it has been relatively peaceful in the south, many deaths, injuries, looting, and destruction of properties have been witnessed in some states in the north like Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Gombe, Yobe and others.
The development forced Kano, Jigawa, Borno, Katsina, and Nasarawa to impose 24-hour curfews, however, protesters defied the order to continue in the ongoing ‘EndBadGovernance’ protests.
Bashir, who had earlier condemned the looting and destruction witnessed during the ongoing protest, especially in Kano raised a security alarm as he shared images of some protesters in the north waving Russian flags.
He said; “Russian flags have been seen among protesters in some parts of the country. It’s crucial for authorities to closely monitor the situation and take necessary precautions.
“This may indicate various underlying sentiments or influences that need to be carefully assessed and addressed by the government.”
The images were screenshots of a viral video showing the protesters shouting Allahu Akbar (Allah is Great) while waving Russian flags as they marched in protest.
This has generated mixed reactions from netizens who said this means Northerners believed military rule is all that we want for Nigeria 🇳🇬 to become independent in economy, security, and peace in the end, while others said it is nothing but a show of ignorance as many of those waving the flags are underage who have no knowledge about international politics.
A Facebook user, Mohd Nurah said; “Let me explain but first I’m a Nigerian so don’t try to judge my grammar🙄. This means that Northerners believed military rule is all that we wanted for Nigeria 🇳🇬 to become independent in economy, security, and peace in the end.
“So that later we can have an alliance with RUSSIA, NORTH KOREA, etc. But now we cannot have progress in the above-mentioned because America has their eyes on everything we do.”
An X user, Tobi Akinbo J. posting as @realTobiAkinbo wrote; “Hunger and hardship coupled with oppression is inspiring the people to seek for alternative solution and protection from a deadly wicked government. If the cloud be full of rain, it will empty itself.”
Arewa Republic on Facebook said; “They are just doing it to call the attention of the western world and the international community to the protest. Nothing more, nothing less.
“We are good friends of the West, and we will remain so till we see a reason not to. In the meanwhile: We stand with Russia. Mother Russia come to our rescue please as you did during colonialism.”
Usman Hamman Tukur with username @sheiktukur on X said; “Ppl forget that northern folks are extremely upto date on global affairs because of the radio culture. It is no surprise given what is happening in Mali, Niger and BurkinaFaso to see this. And don’t forget, the West has generally soiled its reputation given the Palestine issue.”
@latundeoje4 reacting on X said; “Perhaps not out of ignorance. Someone that’s aware of something must have provided them with those flags. Majority of them don’t even have an idea what a Russian flag look like. Nig is a perfect space for experimental chaos. All the delicate lines are red hot heated by demoass.”
Another user Olawale akinkunmi posting as @Olawaleakinkun4 wrote; “The protest in the North is politicized and their undertones runs have been heard clearly. However remember Nigeria as a whole is not only Northern Nigeria. I only hope what is cooking up north will not backfire to them.”
Joe Ike Newman on Facebook said; “What is happening in some northern states of Nigeria, is not protest but an insurrection. A situation where under age pupils are unleashed to the streets to demonstrate, one is Force to ask, where are their parents? or some one is using them as Canon folder to achieve an agenda. The president don’t need to keep quiet but address the nation.”
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