- Prof. Bola Akinterinwa claimed that individuals waving Russian flags during protests in Kano are primarily from Niger Republic, expressing dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s government
- He warned that the display of Russian flags could escalate tensions between Nigeria and Ukraine, urging the government to exercise caution
Former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, has claimed that individuals carrying the ‘Russian’ flag during the nationwide hardship protest in Kano are primarily from Niger Republic. According to him, these foreigners are displaying the Russian flag to express their dissatisfaction with the Nigerian government’s and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), chaired by President Bola Tinubu, stance against the military coup in Niger.
The display of the Russian flag, which began on Thursday and intensified by Monday in Kano, has led to a crackdown on those orchestrating the trend. A man believed to be producing the flags was among those arrested by security agents.
He stated, “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. Only when you consider them Nigerians can you seriously be more concerned about the implications.
“There is a porous border between Nigeria and Niger, and you have the same ethnic community on both sides of the border; there is no true border between Nigeria and Niger. Consequently, all those who are carrying the Russian flag are basically from Niger. They only came to Kano. These are foreigners taking advantage to tell the government of Nigeria that Nigeriens are in support of the military junta.”
The diplomat further warned that this situation could escalate tensions between Nigeria and Ukraine, which is currently at war with Russia, potentially drawing Nigeria into a broader crisis.
He elaborated, “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.
“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.
“By implication, they (Israelis) are saying anywhere you find Russia, we can go there and attack. Suppose people are carrying Russian flags in Nigeria. In that case, 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.