As Nigeria prepares for the #EndBadGovernance protests on August 1, a notable number of senators, House of Representatives members, and Federal Executive Council (FEC) officials are leaving the country.
They cite reasons like medical checkups and summer holidays, but insiders suggest these are pretexts to escape potential dangers from the upcoming demonstrations.
The National Assembly was unexpectedly shut down last Tuesday to allow lawmakers to obtain visas and travel before the protests begin. The decision follows increasing concerns about safety and security during the anticipated nationwide protests.
Several lawmakers, who chose to remain anonymous, shared their fears with the Daily Sun. They recalled the violent incidents of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, where properties were damaged, and lives were at risk in their constituencies.
One senator, who wished to stay unnamed, expressed how vulnerable lawmakers feel compared to ministers, governors, and presidential aides, who typically have security protection.
“We were supposed to adjourn for our annual break next week,” the senator said. “But we had a meeting where many lawmakers complained to the leadership of the National Assembly about the imminent threats to their lives if the protests were eventually held. We begged them to bring back the adjournment date. They listened to us.”
The senator further explained that many lawmakers are leaving the country due to inadequate security. “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 should attack. It is safer to leave until things calm down.”
A travel agent at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja confirmed to the Daily Sun that she had booked numerous emergency tickets for National Assembly members traveling to Europe, the Middle East, and other African countries. She mentioned that the high demand for international flights has significantly increased ticket prices, nearly doubling the original cost.
“Summer tickets have gone up because of the sudden demand for them by the government’s officials,” the travel agent explained. “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.”
She added, “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.”
