Fayose accuses politicians of fleeing Nigeria ahead of planned August 1 nationwide protests

FORMER Ekiti State governor's brother Isaac Fayose has accused Nigerian politicians of fleeing abroad en masse ahead of the planned national protests on August 1 amid fears that they could face the wrath of the masses.

On August 1, a nationwide cost-of-living protest as being planned across Nigeria, to highlight the growing economic crisis that is afflicting the country. Inflation is currently running at over 30%, leading to the cost of basic foodstuffs soaring, making a lot of everyday items now beyond the reach of the ordinary man.

Organisers of the protest are said to have drawn inspiration from events in Kenya, where mass action forced the government to back down and scrap a proposed finance bill. Over the last few weeks, the Nigerian government has been very jittery about the protests, with President Bola Tinubu himself saying they are the work of sinister people capitalising on the country’s economic woes.

Nigeria’s last mass demonstration was three years ago, against a reviled police unit known as Sars, accused of extra-judicial killings. In 2021, the #EndSARS movement achieved its aim of disbanding the force as it shook the country to its very foundation and was eventually ended with a violent crackdown in which dozens of protesters were killed by the Nigerian military.

It appears that the Nigerian elite are fearful of another such protest next week and Isaac, the younger brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, said this has led to a mass exodus. Mr Fayose said Nigeria's airports are currently filled up with governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives and ministers travelling abroad to avoid being caught up in the protest.

In a viral video posted on social media, Mr Fayose said: “House of Representatives members, senators, governors and ministers are all travelling abroad suddenly because of the protest.” His remarks have further fuelled public frustration, as many Nigerians perceive the politicians’ actions as an attempt to evade accountability.

As the protest date approaches, tensions continue to rise and the government faces mounting pressure to address the grievances of its citizens. However, with no solutions readily available, flight is now an option being resorted to and the situation at airports has reportedly been chaotic, with increased activity as officials hastily make their way out of the country.