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Flags are more than pieces of fabric fluttering in the wind; they are powerful symbols that embody the identity, history, and values of nations, organisations, and communities worldwide. From their vibrant colours and intricate designs to the meanings behind each element, flags tell a story of unity, pride, and tradition.
The same could be said of a controversial flag that has recently been the subject of a debate among social media users. On Aug. 1, 2024, Nigerians took to the streets in protest of what they described as the “bad governance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.” While this continued, some Kano State protesters were spotted waving what looked like Russian flags.
This situation has raised concerns among other Nigerians, leading to questions about whether Russia might be planning to infiltrate the Nigerian protest, similar to Vladimir Putin’s alleged involvement in Niger. The same flag, or one that appeared identical, was also seen beside the President during his address to the country in the early hours of Sunday, Aug 4, 2024. This has added to the confusion, prompting people to ask questions like, “Nigerians, what flag is this?”
Many others, like Kayode Ogundamisi, have already concluded that the flags purportedly spotted in Kano are the same as “the Russian flag” beside Mr President.
In his tweet, Mr Ogundamisi wrote, “The burnt plantains we are expected to engage on social media. He reckons the flag behind the president is the same as a Russian flag.”
Misinformation can undermine trust in public figures and institutions, fuel unwarranted speculation, and distract from the real issues during protests and other national events. This article clarifies the ongoing confusion.
What flag was carried by Kano protesters?
Kano State’s version of the #EndBadGovernance protest was characterised by violence. As widely reported, hoodlums took over and looted public (and private) properties, forcing the state government to impose a 24-hour curfew on the residents.
In the heat of things, Instablog9ja, an Instagram blogger, shared multiple images showing some of these protesters waving flags in white, blue, and red while others raised Mr Putin’s portrait. Among these images, DUBAWA traced one to a March 1, 2023 protest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with Mr Putin’s alleged involvement. However, we have not confirmed if the remaining were from Kano as purported.
Some have said that the protesters were displaying the Kano Emirate flag. DUBAWA ascertained this as false as the Kano Emirate flag has red, yellow, blue, and a white star. Indeed, the flag flown by these protesters resembled the Russian flag.
Although the flag seen beside the President during his speech is slightly similar, it also differs. Unlike the Russian flag, it has the colours red, blue, white, and green arranged successively. However, the green was not as obvious as the president spoke due to camera positioning.
Tinubu, as the Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces
When he was sworn in as Nigeria’s president in May 2023, Mr Tinubu was also inaugurated as the Armed Forces Commander-in-chief. The flag beside him depicts his status and authority in that position.
Described as the “Flag of the President of Nigeria as Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces,” it has been the tradition to have this flag, together with Nigeria’s national flag, stand behind or beside the president during official functions. This is with Mr Tinubu and past presidents who also doubled as the Armed Forces Commander-in-chief. The images below showcase instances where this flag was seen with Nigerian presidents.
Muhammadu Buhari while giving his farewell address in 2023.
While the flag spotted during the presidential broadcast differs from the viral one purportedly carried by Kano protesters, DUBAWA could not establish whether Russia has an agenda or plans to infiltrate the #EndBadGovernance as alleged.
