Recent protests in Nigeria have sparked controversy surrounding the use of the Russian Federation flag. Here’s a breakdown of the events:
1. Protesters began carrying the red, blue, and white flag, similar to the Russian flag, but actually the flag of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
2. President Tinubu even used this flag in his broadcast, further solidifying its connection to Nigeria’s military.
3. Bloggers and security experts falsely claimed protesters were seeking Russian support and denouncing the West, drawing parallels to events in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
4. Despite no mention of Russia during protests, the media perpetuated the narrative that protesters sought President Putin’s support.
5. Protesters, aware of the government’s concern, continued to display more flags, fueling the propaganda.
The question remains: what does Russia have to do with Nigeria? The answer: nothing. This appears to be a classic case of misinformation and propaganda, aimed at discrediting the protests and creating confusion. It’s essential to separate fact from fiction and recognize the true intentions behind the protests.