EXODUS! ! See Top Politicians Who Allegedly Have FLED Nigeria Ahead Of August 1st Nationwide Protest
As the nation gears up for the impending #EndBadGovernance protests scheduled for August 1, there has been a noticeable exodus of senators, members of the House of Representatives, and some members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) from the country.
They are reportedly departing under the pretext of medical checkups and summer vacations. The National Assembly chambers were abruptly closed last Tuesday, providing members the opportunity to obtain visas and leave the country before the anticipated demonstrations.
This mass departure is happening amidst growing concerns about safety and security during the protests. Several lawmakers, speaking anonymously to the Daily Sun, shared their fears of becoming targets if the nationwide protests proceed as planned. They recalled the violent incidents during the 2020 #EndSARS protests, during which many were attacked and their properties vandalized in their constituencies.
One senator, who chose to remain anonymous, underscored the heightened vulnerability of lawmakers compared to ministers, governors, and presidential aides who are often protected by security agents. He pointed out that lawmakers are more accessible to the public, which makes them potential targets during major uprisings.
” We were supposed to adjourn for our annual break next week, ” the senator explained. ” But we had a meeting where many lawmakers expressed concerns to the leadership of the National Assembly about the imminent threats to their lives if the protests take place. We requested an earlier adjournment date, and they agreed. ”
The senator added that lawmakers who cannot afford the necessary security are choosing to leave the country until the situation calms down. ” Some of us are not going to Europe or America. Some colleagues are even in Ghana and South Africa. For holders of diplomatic passports, it’ s often visa on arrival. ”
He continued, ” I have secured my ticket and will be leaving Abuja this weekend. President Bola Tinubu is protected, all his ministers have ample security, and governors enjoy the same. I don’ t have anyone to protect me if the protesters attack. It is safer to leave until things settle down. ”
A travel agent working at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja confirmed to Daily Sun that she had arranged emergency tickets for many National Assembly members in the past week. They are traveling to Europe, the Middle East, and other African countries. She noted that a visit to the various international airports in the country would corroborate her claims.
The travel agent explained that the sudden demand for international flight tickets has significantly driven up prices, nearly doubling the original cost. ” Summer tickets have increased because of the sudden demand by government officials. Many senators and their colleagues in the House of Representatives are requesting tickets. Some ministers are also seeking tickets, claiming they need medical checkups, but I doubt it, ” she said.
” I booked a flight for one senator to the United States for almost $3, 000 for a return ticket. South Africa and the United Kingdom are the most sought- after destinations by lawmakers, followed by Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Even Ghana is on the list. One lawmaker jokingly told me he was leaving Nigeria to save his head, expressing uncertainty about the protests’ outcome. I could see the fear in his eyes as I secured a ticket to Turkey for him. “
