Lawmakers Bolt Abroad, Bring Forward Recess As Protest Approaches

Nigerian lawmakers are running abroad ahead of the planned nationwide protest

As the date for the planned nationwide protest against the economic woes in the nation draws nearer, a wave of lawmakers and some members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) are reportedly leaving the country under the pretense of medical checkups and summer holidays.

This decision is coming up amid growing concerns over safety and security during the protest.

Several lawmakers, speaking anonymously to Daily Sun, expressed their fears of becoming targets of the nationwide protest should it proceed as planned.

They cited the violent incidents during the 2020 #EndSARS protests, where many were attacked and their properties vandalized in their constituencies.

A senator, who preferred to remain unnamed, highlighted the vulnerability of lawmakers compared to ministers, governors, and presidential aides, who security agents often protect.

He emphasized that lawmakers are more accessible to the public, making them potential targets during major uprisings.

Why Lawmakers are running abroad ahead of protest

The lawmaker said, “We were supposed to adjourn for our annual break next week. However, we had a meeting where many lawmakers complained to the leadership of the National Assembly about the imminent threats to their lives if the protest were eventually held. We begged them to bring back the adjournment date. They listened to us.

“Lawmakers who cannot afford the needed security are leaving until the madness calms down. Some of us are not going to Europe or America. Some of our colleagues are even in Ghana and South Africa. You know for holders of diplomatic passports, it is often visa on arrival.

“As I’m talking to you, I’ve secured my ticket, and I’m leaving Abuja this weekend. 

President Bola Tinubu is protected. All his ministers have enough security. Governors enjoy the same. I don’t have anyone to protect me if the protesters attack. It is safer to leave until things calm down.”

A travel agent, who works at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, told Daily Sun that she had secured emergency tickets for many members of the National Assembly in the last week, who are traveling to Europe, the Middle East and other African countries.

The travel agent explained that a visit to the various international airports in the country would confirm her claims.

She said the high demand for international flight tickets has significantly increased the cost, almost double the original price.

She said, “Summer tickets have gone up because of the sudden demand for them by the government’s officials. Many senators and their colleagues in the House of Representatives are the ones asking for the tickets. Some ministers are also getting tickets, claiming that they’re going for medical checkups, but I doubt it.

“I booked a flight for one senator on Saturday to the United States of America for almost $3,000 for a return ticket. South Africa and the United Kingdom are the most sought-after tickets by lawmakers. Others are asking for tickets to Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Even Ghana is also on the list.

“But one of them jokingly told me that he was leaving Nigeria to save his head. He said he’s not sure how the protests will turn out. I could see the fear in his eyes. I got a ticket to Turkey for him.”

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