Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
As the on-going nationwide protests against hardship and bad governance entered day five on Monday, protesters carrying Russian flag were observed on the streets of Kano and Kaduna states
The development has raised concern that some people with ulterior motives might have hijacked the protest.
Kaduna State Government has already imposed 24-hour curfew in Kaduna metropolis and Zaria town as some of the protesters resorted to looting of shops and supermarkets.
The protesters in their numbers carrying foreign flags were seen around Kano-Kano-Zaria Road, Zoo Road, among others, although the protest was peaceful.
One of them was quoted as saying: “We are protesting against the removal of fuel subsidy which we believe is influenced by Western hence the return to Russian President, Vladimir Putin for help.”
However, Kano State Government has completely dissociated itself from the protesters carrying the Russian flag.
According to the Spokesperson to Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, Sanusi Bature, the protesters are not affiliated with the government in any way.
He said they were on their own, adding that they had submitted their requests to the State Government for onward transmission to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
