According to the report from the Sun News, Ahead of the nationwide protests scheduled for August 1, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and some Federal Executive Council (FEC) members are temporarily relocating abroad, citing medical checkups and summer holidays as reasons.
Last Tuesday, the Senate and the House of Representatives hastily adjourned sessions, allowing members to process their visas and leave the country before the protests begin. This move has raised concerns about the lawmakers’ safety during the anticipated demonstrations.
Several lawmakers, speaking anonymously to Daily Sun, expressed their fears that they would be the first targets if the protests proceed. They recalled the 2020 protests when many of them faced attacks and property vandalism in their constituencies.
One senator highlighted the disparity in security protection, noting that “ministers, governors, and other presidential aides were usually protected by security agents, but lawmakers were left to protect themselves.”
He added, “Nigerians have unfettered access to us whenever they want, which puts our lives in danger, especially during major uprisings.”
Drawing a parallel to a recent incident in Kenya, the senator recounted how protesters attacked the National Parliament, targeting lawmakers while the president and cabinet members were protected by security forces.
“We were supposed to adjourn for our annual break next week. 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 are eventually held. We begged them to bring back the adjournment date. They listened to us,” he said.
He continued, “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.”
