In anticipation of the nationwide protests scheduled for August 1, several senators, House of Representatives members, and Federal Executive Council (FEC) members are temporarily traveling abroad under the pretense of medical checkups and summer holidays.
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives hastily shut down their chambers last Tuesday to allow members to process their visas and leave before the protests begin.
Confidential sources from both houses expressed concern to Daily Sun about the potential threat to their safety if the protests proceed, recalling how their properties were vandalized during the 2020 protests.
A senator highlighted that while ministers, governors, and presidential aides receive protection from security agents, lawmakers are often left vulnerable.
The senator explained that unlike other officials, lawmakers are easily accessible to the public, which increases their risk during uprisings. He cited an incident in Kenya where lawmakers were attacked during a protest while other government officials were protected.
The National Assembly members requested an earlier adjournment for their annual break due to these security concerns, which was granted. Some lawmakers have already secured their travel plans to various destinations, including Ghana and South Africa, while others head to Europe and the Middle East.
A travel agent at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, confirmed a surge in emergency ticket bookings by lawmakers and other officials, resulting in higher ticket prices. Many officials, including ministers, are claiming their travel is for medical reasons, though the agent expressed skepticism. She noted that the most popular destinations among lawmakers are the United States, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, with some also heading to Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
