Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has expressed deep concern over the recent display of Russian flags by northern youths during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests, which escalated into violence in several northern states.
Yahaya, who also serves as the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, voiced his disappointment during a visit to Kumo in Akko Local Government Area on Thursday.
The governor was in Kumo to inaugurate the newly constructed Kumo General Hospital, where he was warmly received by local youths waving the Nigerian flag.
Yahaya said the sight of the Nigerian flag brought him a sense of relief and pride, contrasting sharply with the troubling images of Russian flags being used in the protests.
“I really feel very happy and fulfilled. I’m so proud of them because in so many places you will see the flags of other countries being raised; showing the level of decay and disappointment.
“Here we see support, love, care, and concern from them, especially the youth. It makes you feel relieved that at least there is a brighter future for Nigeria, and I’m happy,” Yahaya stated.
The use of the Russian flag during the protests has sparked significant concern within the government, prompting swift action from security agencies.
In Gombe, police have arrested at least 10 suspects in connection with the flag display, and the Department of State Services (DSS) is interrogating several foreigners believed to have sponsored the demonstrations.
In a related development, authorities in Kano arrested a tailor who was allegedly producing and supplying the Russian flags to the protesters.
The Federal Government has condemned the involvement of foreign symbols in domestic protests and warned other nations to stay out of Nigerian affairs.
The Russian embassy in Nigeria denied any connection to the protests.
Meanwhile, during the hospital inauguration, Governor Yahaya also shared the vision behind the new facility.
He said, “In 2019, I received a security briefing on the deplorable state of the facility. We concluded that there was no better option than to demolish it to make it a modern secondary medical facility with 200 bed spaces to cover Gombe Central.
“I feel fulfilled. We started with primary health care across the 114 wards. I urge the people to support the government to deliver on its promises.”
