Former senator Shehu Sani has expressed his belief that Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Ahmad Lawan would not have been able to escape from protesters as successfully as their Kenyan counterparts.
Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the Senate, made these comments following reports of Kenyan parliament members fleeing from protesters who besieged the Senate building on Tuesday.
Highlighting the physical abilities of Nigerian politicians, Sani stated that he knows former Senate President Bukola Saraki is capable of running away if needed.
He also mentioned that former senator Dino Melaye, known for his flamboyant personality, could even jump and climb trees if necessary.
However, Sani expressed doubt about the agility of Lawan and Akpabio, questioning their ability to escape from a similar situation.
The protests in Kenya, dubbed the “seven days of rage,” were sparked by the government’s controversial finance bill, which proposed widespread tax hikes.
The demonstrations took a violent turn when police responded with live rounds and tear gas against angry youths, who then breached the parliament building.
During the chaos, lawmakers reportedly utilized an underground tunnel to escape, while others sought refuge in the building’s basement.
In response to the intense public outcry, Kenyan President William Ruto ultimately withdrew the tax bill after it had been passed by parliament.
The contrasting reactions of Nigerian and Kenyan politicians to protests have raised questions about the preparedness and physical capabilities of Nigerian lawmakers in handling similar situations.
