#EndBadGovernance protest took an unexpected turn in Kano State on Monday as demonstrators were seen holding banners displaying the Russian flag.

The protesters, predominantly underage boys, chanted songs in Hausa and ran through the streets, expressing their discontent.

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This development followed the Kano State Government’s decision to relax a curfew that was imposed after violence erupted during the protests.

The state Commissioner for Information, Baba Dantiye, announced on Saturday that the curfew would be eased from 8 am to 2 pm.

Governor Abba Yusuf had initially imposed a 24-hour curfew on Thursday due to escalating violence.

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Dantiye emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property in Kano, stating, “The government is concerned about the security of lives and properties, that was why a curfew was imposed for 24 hours. This will continue, and the situation will continue to be reviewed. When the security situation improves, the decision will be taken for further review. I hope the people will comply.”

The decision to relax the curfew was intended to allow residents to conduct their daily activities.

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The commissioner also conveyed the governor’s condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and properties during the protests.

The 10-day protest, driven by dissatisfaction with governance and economic hardship, has spread across many states.

In Kano, hoodlums took advantage of the chaos, attacking and looting public and private properties, including the newly constructed Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) Industrial Park, which was set ablaze.

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The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) center, slated for commissioning next week, saw youths looting desktop computers, chairs, keyboards, and other equipment.

The Kano police command reported the arrest of about 269 suspects involved in the looting.

As the protests continue, the state government remains vigilant, balancing the need for security with the public’s demand for relief from economic and governance issues.

The Department of State Services (DSS) announced the arrest of several tailors in Kano State suspected of mass-producing Russian flags.

These flags were reportedly distributed among demonstrators in the area.

In a statement released on Monday, the DSS revealed that they have also apprehended some sponsors behind this activity.

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The agency stated via its X handle: “The Service has apprehended some tailors in Kano State responsible for making Russian flags being distributed in the area. Some of their sponsors have also been picked. An investigation is ongoing.”

Additionally, the DSS clarified that Adaramoye Michael, also known as Michael Lenin, the National Coordinator of the Youth Rights Campaign, is not in their custody.

Michael had recently criticized President Bola Tinubu’s address to the nation amidst ongoing protests.

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This development follows sightings of #EndBadGovernance protesters carrying Russian flags in several northern states.

The reason behind the use of these flags remains unclear. Previously, police had arrested individuals in Nasarawa State suspected of producing these flags.

Protesters, chanting in Hausa, have been seen running through the streets with the Russian flags, despite President Tinubu’s plea for calm.

Tinubu acknowledged the protesters’ grievances in a recent address, urging them to cease the rallies sparked by Nigeria’s harsh economic conditions, including a 34% inflation rate.

However, the demonstrations have continued, with protesters claiming their demands remain unmet.

The unrest has led to curfews being imposed in several cities and states, particularly in the northern region, due to looting and destruction.

As the situation unfolds, the DSS continues its investigation into the mass production and distribution of the Russian flags among the demonstrators.

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu for his silence during the ongoing nationwide protests, accusing him of failing to demonstrate effective leadership by addressing Nigerians directly.

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According to CUPP, Tinubu opted to allow his spokesmen and government officials to make provocative statements that further exacerbated public anger and worsened the crisis.

In a statement released on Friday by Comrade Mark Adebayo, the spokesperson for the opposition coalition, CUPP condemned what it described as Tinubu’s “woeful leadership style,” attributing it to the current crises plaguing the country.

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The statement emphasized that Tinubu’s failure to engage directly with Nigerians and stakeholders, including protest organizers and opposition figures, contributed to the escalation of deaths and destruction witnessed on the first day of the protests.

CUPP expressed concern over what it perceived as the federal government’s indifference to the plight of Nigerians, holding Tinubu’s administration responsible for the violence and damage occurring during the protests against hunger and poor governance.

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The coalition called for restraint from security agencies in handling protesters and urged Nigerians to refrain from criminal activities such as looting, emphasizing the importance of upholding democracy in the country.

President Bola Tinubu has yielded to increasing demands to address the nation amidst the widespread #EndBadGovernance protests, now in their third day.

Tinubu, who has faced mounting criticism over economic hardships and the high cost of living, will speak to over 200 million Nigerians in a broadcast scheduled for Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 7:00 am, according to a statement from his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale.

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“Television, radio, and other electronic media outlets are requested to connect to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast.

“The broadcast will be rebroadcast on the network services of the NTA and the FRCN at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm the same day,” Ngelale stated.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized President Bola Tinubu for his silence amidst the ongoing nationwide protests, urging him to address the nation and reassure citizens about the pressing issues they face.

In a statement released on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP accused President Tinubu of heightening public apprehension with his lack of response and called for immediate action.

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“The PDP demands that President Tinubu immediately address Nigerians on urgent steps to reduce the price of petroleum products, stem the fall of the Naira, and ensure the speedy provision of food, among other critical issues. This will help revamp the productive sector, stimulate employment, and restore stability in the polity,” the statement read.

“Our party expresses concerns that President Tinubu’s silence is sending a very dangerous signal and heightening public apprehension, suggesting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government is insensitive to the feelings of the citizens and the overall sorry state of affairs in the nation.

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“It is indeed worrisome that President Tinubu could remain silent while Nigerians are on the streets demanding good governance, protection, security, and welfare, which are the primary purposes of government.

“The world is watching in horror as operatives of APC-controlled security agencies assault, shoot, and kill unarmed protesters, with thugs allegedly mobilized by the APC also unleashing violence on innocent Nigerians.

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“Our party calls on President Tinubu to end his silence, immediately address the nation, and reassure the citizens on issues agitating their minds, particularly the reduction in the price of petroleum products and food items.

“Our party insists that with deft, transparent, and innovative management of resources, economic potentials, comparative advantage, and refining capacity, petrol should not sell for more than N200 per litre in Nigeria, especially with a strategic investment in gas production.”

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“President Tinubu should also urgently commence the process of recovering the over N50 trillion reportedly stolen by APC leaders, reduce tariffs on essential goods, cut the cost of governance, review all luxury items in his government, and channel funds recovered to programs that have a direct bearing on the well-being of Nigerians.

“Furthermore, while calling for a thorough investigation into the reported killing of unarmed Nigerians by certain unscrupulous security operatives, the PDP urges the security agencies to ensure a high level of professionalism in their duty of providing security and protection to the citizens.”

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Nigerian DJ, Obianuju Catherine Udeh, popularly known as DJ Switch, has issued a bold challenge to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and Niger Delta activist Asari Dokubo, urging them to address the root causes of hunger instead of resorting to threats.

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The challenge comes in the wake of nationwide protests titled “10 Days of Rage” under the hashtag #EndBadGovernance, aimed at highlighting the economic challenges facing Nigeria.

Before the protests began, Asari Dokubo warned against bringing the demonstrations to the Niger Delta region, arguing that the protesters’ agenda did not address local issues.

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“I and all those who believe in me and those of you who are committed to the interest of the Niger Delta, we are not going to be part of any protest. It is as clear as that,” he stated firmly. “If anybody has the right to protest, I also have the right to resist protest. Where your right stops, that is where my right begins.”

Similarly, Nyesom Wike, during a security council meeting in Abuja, raised concerns about potential property damage by protesters based on intelligence reports.

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He also mentioned the identification of a senator suspected of sponsoring the protests.

In response to these statements, DJ Switch took to social media to directly challenge Wike and Asari Dokubo to confront the protesters face-to-face.

“The only thing that can stop HUNGER is FOOD! Not guns, not teargas, not threats from fat globs like Asari Dokubo and chicken feed Wike! I wonder why they are hiding now…. Come outside let them eat you raw!” DJ Switch posted on her X handle.

Earlier on August 1, she had encouraged Nigerians to view the hunger protests as a critical opportunity to demand better governance in the country.