Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya has expressed grave concern over the display of Russian flags by northern youths during the recent #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests. The protests, which began as a nationwide campaign for better governance, have escalated into violence in several northern states.
During a visit to Kumo in Akko Local Government Area on Thursday, where he inaugurated the newly constructed Kumo General Hospital, Yahaya was met with local youths waving the Nigerian flag. This gesture contrasted sharply with the troubling images of Russian flags displayed during the protests in other regions.
Yahaya conveyed relief and pride at seeing the Nigerian flag, which he felt represented support and care from the local youth. He emphasized that the presence of foreign flags at protests highlighted a level of decay and disappointment.
The use of Russian flags during the protests has led to a response from security agencies. In Gombe, police have arrested at least 10 individuals related to the flag display, and the Department of State Services (DSS) is interrogating several foreigners believed to be involved in sponsoring the protests.
Authorities in Kano have arrested a tailor accused of producing and supplying the Russian flags to the protesters.
The Federal Government has condemned the use of foreign symbols in domestic protests and has warned other countries against interfering in Nigerian affairs. The Russian embassy in Nigeria has denied any involvement in the protests.
At the inauguration of the Kumo General Hospital, Yahaya shared the background of the project. He mentioned that the facility was previously in a deplorable state and that a decision was made to demolish and rebuild it as a modern secondary medical facility with 200 bed spaces, aimed at serving Gombe Central.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the completion of the hospital and emphasized the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure. He also highlighted the initial focus on primary healthcare across the state’s 114 wards and urged residents to support the government’s efforts.
Governor Yahaya’s concerns about the use of Russian flags reflect broader worries about foreign influence in domestic issues. His focus on local development, demonstrated by the inauguration of the Kumo General Hospital, contrasts with the unrest seen in other parts of the country.