Saraki, Other Senators Avoid Main NASS Gate As #OccupyNASS Protests Grow In Number

SaharaReporters has learned that the Senate President Bukola Saraki, for fear of being mobbed by angry protesters outside the main gate of the National Assembly, abandoned his plans to enter through it. Other senators, it was also learned, removed their official or customized license plates before passing by the protesters.

#OccupyNASS protesters began their protest on Monday shutting down the NASS complex and bringing virtually all legislative activities to a halt. The placard carrying protesters refused to allow anybody to gain entry into the complex; the senators and representatives who tried to pass by the demonstrates were stalled by the melee.

These developments forced Mr. Saraki and his loyalists to enter through the Villa Gate as an alternative route.

The hundreds of youths joining the protest have vowed not back down on their agitation or demands. SaharaReporters gathered that some senators, particularly those who accompanied Mr. Saraki to the Code of Conduct of Tribunal (CCT), where he is facing corruption charges, removed their number plates to avoid being singled out by the demonstrators.

As the rally entered its second day today the protesters continued with their agitation and public demands.  Canopies were mounted to provide shade for the protesters and also brought life to the show by inviting a DJ to maintain enthusiasm of the crowd. Some of the Muslim  protesters were also seen observing their prayers near the protest site.

Since the Senate allocated SUVs it purchased for select members, at the rate of N35mllion each, some of the beneficiaries have not dared to bring the jeep out for use, some protesters noted.