Protests: Group Condemns Hoisting of Russian Flag, Says Action Unpatriotic

By Abdullahi Yusuf

A group, Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council, has condemned the hoisting of the Russian Flag by some anti-governance protesters in parts of the country, describing their action as unpatriotic.

The Vice President of the council, Balarabe Rufa’i, remarked on behalf of the group while addressing a news conference at the NUJ press centre, in Kano, on Tuesday.

“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 Russian Flag,” Rufa’i said.

According to him,the hoisting of the Russian Flag by the protesters is undemocratic, unconstitutional and unpatriotic,and could lead to commiting treasonable offence.

“This scenario has awakened all well-meaning Nigerians that there are hidden forces working day and night to bring destruction that will lead to violent disintegration of our dear country, Nigeria,” he said.

The council then noted President Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast to the people, describing it as a one-step forward.

It, however, said the President did not directly address the demands of the protesters such as the restoration of fuel subsidy and tackling poverty and hunger currently ravaging the country.

“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 said.

It urged the President to work together with the National Assembly to actualize the promises he made in the national broadcast.