As Nigeria anticipates the #EndBadGovernance protests set for August 1, a noticeable exodus of senators, House of Representatives members, and some Federal Executive Council (FEC) officials is underway. Many are leaving the country under the pretext of medical appointments or summer vacations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The National Assembly abruptly closed its chambers last Tuesday, enabling members to process their travel documents ahead of the anticipated demonstrations.
This surge in departures reflects mounting concerns over safety and security during the protests.
Sources within the National Assembly, who requested anonymity, have shared their fears about becoming targets if the protests escalate. They recalled the violent scenes of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, where lawmakers and their properties were targeted and vandalized in their constituencies.
One senator, who chose to remain unnamed, highlighted the disparity in protection between lawmakers and other government officials. Unlike ministers, governors, and presidential aides who benefit from robust security, lawmakers are more accessible and therefore more vulnerable during large-scale uprisings.
The senator explained, “We were scheduled to break next week for our annual recess, but we urgently requested an earlier adjournment due to the imminent threat posed by the protests. Many of us are seeking refuge abroad until the situation stabilizes. Some colleagues are heading to Europe, the Middle East, and other African nations. We’ve even seen a rise in ticket prices due to the increased demand.”
A travel agent at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport confirmed the spike in international flight bookings. She reported that many lawmakers and officials have been securing emergency tickets, leading to a surge in ticket prices, nearly doubling the original rates.
She added, “The rush for summer flights has driven up prices significantly. Many officials claim they are traveling for medical reasons, though this may not be entirely accurate. For instance, I booked a return flight to the USA for nearly $3,000 for one senator. Destinations like South Africa, the UK, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia are in high demand. One senator even humorously mentioned he was leaving to ‘save his head’ amid fears of how the protests might unfold.”
This mass exodus underscores the growing apprehension among Nigerian politicians as the nation braces for potentially turbulent demonstrations.