In anticipation of the nationwide protests scheduled for August 1, Nigerian lawmakers and members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) are leaving the country, citing safety concerns.
The exodus, which is being justified under the guise of medical checkups and summer holidays, has seen a significant number of senators, House of Representatives members, and other officials booking emergency flights abroad.
Last Tuesday, the Senate and the House of Representatives abruptly adjourned their sessions.
This unexpected closure of the National Assembly was reportedly to allow lawmakers to secure visas and make travel arrangements before the protests begin.
Lawmakers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, expressed fears that they could become primary targets for protesters.
The lawmakers’ concerns are not unfounded. They recall the events of 2020 when several legislators were attacked, and their properties vandalised during a wave of protests.
A senator highlighted the vulnerability of lawmakers compared to other government officials.
“Ministers, governors, and presidential aides are usually protected by security agents,” the senator said.
“But lawmakers, accessible to the public, are left to fend for themselves.”
This fear is exacerbated by recent events in other countries. The senator pointed to a recent incident in Kenya, where protesters attacked the National Parliament, targeting lawmakers while the president and cabinet members were shielded by security forces.
“We are exposed,” he lamented. “As lawmakers, Nigerians have unfettered access to us, which puts our lives in danger, especially during major uprisings.”
The decision to adjourn the National Assembly earlier than planned was a response to these security concerns.
“We were supposed to adjourn for our annual break next week,” the senator continued.
“But we had a meeting where many lawmakers expressed fears for their safety if the protests proceed. We asked the leadership to bring forward the adjournment date, and they agreed.”
The lawmaker revealed that not all legislators could afford private security, prompting many to leave the country.
“Some of us are going to neighbouring countries like Ghana and South Africa, where diplomatic passport holders can get visas on arrival,” he said.
“As I speak, I have secured my ticket and will be leaving Abuja this weekend. President Bola Tinubu and his ministers are well-protected, but we don’t have that privilege. It’s safer to leave until things calm down.”
A travel agent at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja confirmed the surge in bookings.
She disclosed that she had secured emergency tickets for many members of the National Assembly travelling to Europe, the Middle East, and other African countries.
“The demand for international flight tickets has skyrocketed, doubling the prices,” she said.
“Lawmakers and some ministers are claiming they are travelling for medical checkups, but it’s clear they are concerned about the protests.”
The travel agent provided specific details about the destinations being sought.
“The most popular destinations among lawmakers are South Africa, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and even Ghana,” she said.
“One senator booked a flight to the United States for almost $3,000 for a return ticket. Another lawmaker joked that he was leaving Nigeria to ‘save his head,’ visibly shaken by the potential unrest.”
Source : Daily Sun
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