JUST IN: Hardship Protests Spark Confusion, Panic In NASS, Lawmakers Recall For Emergency Session

The National Assembly is in disarray as lawmakers flee Nigeria amidst growing concerns about the planned nationwide protest against economic hardship.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports that the development is coming as the House of Representatives has called an emergency plenary session for Wednesday, July 31, 2024, as reports emerge of senators, representatives, and federal executive council members temporarily relocating abroad under the guise of medical checkups and summer holidays.

The sudden recall of lawmakers from their annual recess comes as the country teeters on the brink of chaos, with soldiers blocking major roads leading to Abuja and heavy security presence in parts of Lagos.

According to Daily Trust, although the reason for the emergency plenary was not disclosed, it might not be unconnected with the planned nationwide protest slated for August 1, 2024 against economic hardship in the country.

In an internal memo sent to the members, dated July 28, 2024 and signed by Clerk to the House, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, the leadership of the House which had suspended plenary earlier last week and embarked on recess until September 17, urged lawmakers to attend the Wednesday, July 31 plenary, as important matters will be deliberated upon during this session.

The memo reads, “On the directive of the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, please be informed that there will be a plenary sitting on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

“You are kindly requested to make necessary arrangements to attend, as important matters will be deliberated upon during this session.

“We regret any inconvenience caused by the interruption of the annual recess. However, we count on the dedication and patriotism that the 10th Assembly is known for.

“Thank you for your cooperation and understanding”.

But some senators and members of the House of Representatives, had earlier told Daily Sun in confidence, said they were worried that if the organisers go ahead and commence the nationwide rage, members of the National Assembly would be their first victims.

They recalled how in 2020, many of them were attacked in their constituencies and their properties were vandalised by the raging protesters.

A senator who spoke to Daily Sun, said ministers, governors and other presidential aides were usually protected by the security agents, but expressed worry that lawmakers were usually left to protect themselves.

He said as lawmakers, Nigerians have unfettered access to them whenever they want, explaining that such an arrangement puts their lives in danger, especially during a major uprising.

The lawmaker recalled how protesters attacked the National Parliament in Kenya during a recent nationwide protest and torched lawmakers, while the president and other cabinet members were protected by the security agents.

“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.

“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 the 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,” he told Daily Sun.

A travel agent, who works at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, told Daily Sun that she has secured emergency tickets for many members of the National Assembly in the last one week, who are traveling to Europe, the Middle East and other African countries.

The travel agent explained that a visit to the the various international airports in the country would confirm her claims. She said the high demands for international flight tickets has significantly increased the cost, almost double of the original price.

“Summer tickets have gone up because of the sudden demand for them by the government’s officials. 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 checkup, but I doubt it.

“I booked 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 sort after tickets by lawmakers. Others are asking for tickets to Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Even Ghana is also on the list.

“But one of them jokingly told me that he’s leaving Nigeria to save his head. He said he’s not sure how the protests will turn out. I could see the fears in his eyes. I got a ticket to Turkey for him,” she revealed.