Security agencies in Nigeria are looking into at least four northern politicians for their ‘involvement’ in the usage of Russian flags by #EndBadGovernance demonstrators.

Several individuals who spoke with Punch on the matter stated that politicians from Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano States are behind the usage of Russian flags by demonstrators in the north to fan the fires of an illegitimate regime change.

One of the sources who spoke with the platform on the condition of anonymity said, “You see, four main characters have been identified in this case. They are major politicians from Katsina, Kano, and Kaduna, and security forces are closing in on them.

They played prominent roles in the election of last year (2023).”

Another source, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed, “There is evidence of external influence mainly involving the politicians who are conniving with a West African and European country to cause mayhem and promote the use of the flags we are seeing. They want to do here what they did in some other countries.

It was earlier reported that the widespread protests against hardship and hunger took a hazardous turn on Monday, with protesters in certain Northern states brandishing the Russian flag and chanting “Tinubu must go.”

Protesters in Kaduna were spotted carrying the Russian flag and yellispoke Hausa, “Tinubu ze soka’ kaa’sa,” which translates to “Tinubu must resign.”

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council has criticized the hoisting of the Russian flag by anti-bad governance protesters in various parts of the country, labelling the act as unpatriotic.

During a news conference at the NUJ press centre in Kano on Tuesday, the council’s Vice President, Balarabe Rufa’i, voiced the group’s disapproval. 

“The ongoing protests, as we are all witnessing, are characterized by looting and destruction of public and private properties, and above all, the most unfortunate hoisting of the Russian flag,” Rufa’i stated.

Rufa’i emphasized that such actions are undemocratic, unconstitutional, and unpatriotic. 

He warned that they could lead to charges of treason and expressed concern that “hidden forces” might be working to destabilize Nigeria, potentially leading to violent disintegration.

The council acknowledged President Tinubu’s recent nationwide address, describing it as a step forward. 

However, they criticized the President for not directly addressing the protesters’ demands, including the restoration of the fuel subsidy and addressing the widespread poverty and hunger.

“The President’s speech, from our micro and macro understanding, has some medium and long-term implications which have not gone down well with the immediate needs and yearnings of the common people that cannot eat daily,” the council noted.

The group urged President Tinubu to collaborate with the National Assembly to fulfil the promises made in his broadcast.