As Nigeria prepares for nationwide protests on August 1, many senators, representatives, and federal executives are reportedly leaving the country, citing medical checkups and summer holidays as reasons.
The National Assembly was hastily closed last Tuesday, allowing members to process visas and travel before the anticipated protests.
Lawmakers, speaking anonymously, expressed concerns about their safety and security during the protests, recalling violent incidents during the 2020 #EndSARS protests.
A senator noted that lawmakers are more vulnerable to attacks due to their accessibility to the public, unlike ministers, governors, and presidential aides who have security protection.
Many lawmakers have secured emergency tickets to Europe, the Middle East, and other African countries, with some travel agents reporting a surge in demand for international flights.
The cost of summer tickets has significantly increased, almost doubling in price, due to the high demand from government officials.
Some lawmakers have openly expressed their fears, with one jokingly saying he was leaving Nigeria to “save his head” due to uncertainty about the protests’ outcome.
