Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), claims that the individuals carrying Russian flags during the ongoing nationwide hardship protests in Kano are primarily from Niger Republic.
Akinterinwa explained that these “foreigners” displayed the Russian flag to express their displeasure with the Nigerian government and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by President Bola Tinubu, for their stance against the military takeover in Niger.
The protest, which began on Thursday, saw an increase in the display of Russian flags by Monday, leading to a crackdown on those responsible. Security agents arrested a man believed to be producing the flags.
In an interview with Daily Trust, Akinterinwa commented, “Those who are carrying the Russian flag, what does it mean to them? I’m not sure they know anything beyond the fact that they are supporting Russia rather than the West. Are the carriers Nigerians from Kano? My position is that, far from it, they are not likely to be Nigerians. It is only when you consider them Nigerians that you can seriously be more concerned about the implications.”
He highlighted the porous border between Nigeria and Niger, noting that the same ethnic communities exist on both sides, leading to a situation where “all those who are carrying the Russian flag are basically from Niger. They only came to Kano.
These are basically foreigners taking advantage to tell the government of Nigeria that Nigeriens are in support of the military junta.”
Akinterinwa warned that this incident could create tension between Nigeria and Ukraine, which is currently at war with Russia, and potentially plunge Nigeria into a crisis.
“The government of Nigeria is not likely to be taken seriously by Niger because they see Nigeria as a disappointment. There is a need to explore citizen diplomacy, whereby citizens of the two countries come together and resolve not to be divided by foreign interests.”
He further added, “The Russian flag is a notice to Tinubu government to be more conscious. It’s a warning. Ukraine is at war with Russia, but does not have a war with Mali. But knowing full well that Wagner (a Russian mercenary) is a major war ally for Russia, Ukraine decided to take a war to Mali.”
Akinterinwa concluded by stating that this situation could provoke the Ukrainian government, similar to how Israel attacks its enemies globally.
“If people are carrying Russian flags in Nigeria, we can expect the anger of the Ukrainian government as well, the same way Israel is attacking its enemies anywhere in the world. So, we need to tread more cautiously,” he added.
