As the nationwide protests scheduled for August 1 approach, a notable number of senators, members of the House of Representatives, and select Federal Executive Council (FEC) members are temporarily relocating abroad under the pretext of medical checkups and summer vacations.
In a preemptive move, the Senate and the House of Representatives expedited the closure of their chambers last Tuesday. This abrupt recess was intended to give members sufficient time to process their visas and travel abroad before the protests begin.
Sources within the National Assembly, who spoke to Daily Sun on the condition of anonymity, expressed fears about becoming targets of the protests. They recalled the violence faced in 2020 when protesters attacked their constituencies and vandalized their properties.
One senator shared concerns about the lack of security for lawmakers, highlighting that ministers, governors, and presidential aides benefit from heavy protection. In contrast, lawmakers are often left to their own devices, making them vulnerable during major uprisings. The senator cited recent events in Kenya, where lawmakers were attacked and their offices torched while high-profile officials were secured.
“We were initially set to adjourn for our annual break next week, but due to the imminent threat, many lawmakers requested an earlier adjournment. The leadership of the National Assembly heeded our concerns and moved the break up,” the senator explained.
To avoid potential violence, some lawmakers have opted to leave the country. While some are heading to Europe or the United States, others are traveling to Ghana, South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. For those with diplomatic passports, visa-on-arrival facilities ease their travels.
A travel agent at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja revealed a surge in demand for international flight tickets, nearly doubling their original prices. The agent noted a high influx of requests from government officials, including members of the National Assembly and ministers, who are citing medical checkups as their reason for travel.
“The sudden spike in ticket prices is due to the increased demand from lawmakers and their aides. I recently booked a return ticket for a senator to the United States for nearly $3,000. South Africa and the United Kingdom are particularly popular destinations, with Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia also being sought after,” the agent said.
The agent added that one senator humorously mentioned leaving Nigeria to “save his head,” revealing palpable fear about the upcoming protests.
