Your name appeared on the Thank You note from the wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari to the team that treated her son, Yusuf. You also received an award from a group of Anglican women for the role you played in the treatment that gotYusuf back on his feet. But there again is a controversy on where the first son underwent surgery. Was the minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole being truthful, when he said, Yusuf was only flown to Germany for post-surgery care?



I don’t think there should be doubts on where this young man was treated. Like you said, the minister of Health has come out to say this gentleman was managed in Nigeria. We, through Cedacrest Hospital have also confirmed that we actually operated the young man in Nigeria. So, I can also confirm that we operated on him in Nigeria and he was managed here post-surgery, until he was suitable to fly abroad for rehabilitation.

Read more@https://frontlinenews.com.ng/nigerian-surgeons-operated-yusuf-buhari-not-foreigners-dr-ogungbo/

Co-Convener of the Bring Back Our Girls group, Aisha Yesufu has again criticized President Muhammadu Buhari, saying he doesn’t deserve a second term.

Yesufu an ardent critic of the Buhari administration in series of tweets on Monday night, apparently triggered by the latest suicide attack in Borno which left 43 people dead, insisted that Buhari’s actions has divided Nigeria in an unprecedented manner.



According to her, the president is “clueless” and he is also a “weak Commander-in-Chief”.

Read more@: https://frontlinenews.com.ng/president-buhari-weak-c-in-c-clueless-president-bbog-co-convener-aisha-yesufu/

Africa’s richest man, Mr. Aliko Dangote recently expressed his wish to be the continent’s biggest philanthropist and it seems he is working hard towards it.

He had explained in May that his ambition to be Africa’s biggest giver was the motivation for the Aliko Dangote Foundation, disbursing a total of N2.5bn to 256,500 women across Kano, Lagos, Jigawa, Kogi, Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

“I do not only want to be known as Africa’s richest man, but the biggest philanthropist.

“I will continue to use my resources and my voice to help shape a better Nigeria, and Africa as a whole,” the wealthy businessman said.

Still pushing for the top spot, the founder of the Dangote Group today tweeted on his verified, @AlikoDangote handle, that he has handed over 200 houses to Borno State government for Internally Displaced (IDPs).

Read more @ https://frontlinenews.com.ng/africas-richest-man-aliko-dangote-donates-200-houses-to-idps/

On Wednesday night, The Oriental restaurant at the Transcorp Hilton hosted some of Abuja’s finest food bloggers as a pre-event to the formal opening of the exclusive eatery. The Oriental will be formally opened next week Wednesday.

Read more @https://frontlinenews.com.ng/rave-reviews-as-the-orient-transcorp-hilton-hosts-food-bloggers/

See more pictures of Dickson mingling with Bayelsans on the streets of Yenagoa @https://frontlinenews.com.ng/gov-dickson-gifts-long-serving-vendor-new-stall/

Legendry reggae artiste Ras Kimono ruled the charts in the 80s and 90s
with songs like Under Pressure, Rumba Stylee and Lone Ranger.


Ras Kimono
The much loved artist died today in Lagos after a brief illness. But music fans can be consoled by the fact that, like the popular saying goes, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.

The Rub-a-Dub master’s daughter, Oge is also force to reckone with musically.

Oge, who Frontline News Online, Editor-in-Chief, Kemi Yesufu, spoke to years back, not only inherited her father’s good looks, his belief in
Rastafarianism, she is also an unapologetic apostle of reggae music.

Oge who returned to Nigeria in
2010 after eight years in Germany gave insight into what kind of father Ras Kimono is declaring him the best parent a child could ask for.

” I am proud to be Ras Kimono’s daughter but I don’t like it when
people just introduce me as his daughter without recognizing that I am also an individual”, she disclosed.

read more @:https://frontlinenews.com.ng/ras-kimono-a-father-you-can-call-anytime-of-the-day-daughter/

he House of Representatives on Wednesday in the Committee of the Whole considered and adopted the report of the House Committee on Health Institutions on a Bill for an Act to establish the National Agency for Albinism and Hypo- Pigmentation and other related matters.

The committee report was on two consolidated bills viz: A bill for an act to establish the National Agency for Albinism and Hypo- Pigmentation (NAAH) and other related matters, sponsored by Rep. Linus Okorie ; and A bill for an Act to to provide for the establishment of a National Centre for Research, Management and Control of Autism, Down Syndrome and for other related matters, sponsored by Rep. Jerry Alagbaoso.

Chairperson of the Committee, Rep. Betty Apiafi said during the public hearing on the two bills, there was a consensus reached by stakeholders.

Read full gist @: https://frontlinenews.com.ng/national-agency-for-albinism-gets-nod-from-reps/

Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas in an interview with Frontline News Online has said not all members of the National Assembly love to party and chase after women.

Speaking on his own experience with Abuja babes in the last three years, he said: "Probably because I am a first term member, the ladies are yet to identify who I am. And no lady has come around.. I am happily married…I guess the most important thing is that I don’t club, I don’t drink or smoke. I don’t even eat kola nut. In fact, I only use panadol when it is prescribed by a doctor. I hardly go for events, so where will they see me"?

Read more at: https://frontlinenews.com.ng/not-all-nassembly-members-party-chase-after-women-namdas-reps-spokesman/

The Northern States Pentecostal Bishop’s Forum of Nigeria (TNSPBFN) has condemned violent attacks across the country, especially those carried out in the North-Central Zone leaving sores dead.



Chairman of the Forum, Archbishop John Praise- Daniel on Monday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to put a halt to the killings and destruction that has dominated the news in recent months or face the “electoral consequences” of not bringing those behind the attacks to book.



He said: “ The spate of deadly attacks by armed herdsmen in the various communities nationwide, particularly, the North Central geo-political zone, resulting in massive loss of lives and properties, need to be decisively dealt with by government, in line with its constitutional responsibility, which must not be abdicated.



“Mindless attacks on places of worship and killing of defenseless Christians in Nigeria are unacceptable and must stop forthwith, as there will be dire electoral consequences for the disturbing silence and inaction by this administration. Indeed, the ugly development portends grave danger for our national unity, food production capabilities and overall development”.
Read More @: https://frontlinenews.com.ng/northern-bishops-to-buhari-end-violent-attacks-or-forget-christian-votes/

The 53rd Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank opened in Busan, Korea, on Monday with a call on African Governments to create the right environment for the private sector to lead the continent’s industrial revolution. Participants also advocated for a balance between the role of the State and the private sector.

Korea was presented as a good model for industrialization which African countries can learn from.

Read more @: https://frontlinenews.com.ng/korea-good-model-for-africas-industrialisation/

The Paradiso Garden at The Dome Abuja hosted hugely popular highlife singer, Flavour on Saturday as part of events for the re-launch of the leisure centre.



The first of day of The Dome re-launch had Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo commission the centre. South African stars Mafikizolo and Nigerian Rapper, Falz thrilled guests along with D.J Waxxy and female turntable master, D.J Yin.

And just like day-one, Big Brother Naija finalists were on hand to party with fun seekers, who came in their numbers to see Flavour on stage. Before stepping into the concert, BBNaija ex-housemates Alex, Vandora, Princess, Tobi, Rico and winner of the show, Miracle contested in the celebrity Turkish Airlines bowling challenge. Rico won the challenge and the price of a ticket from the airline to any destination. D.J TTB held sway on the turntables during the bowling contest.


Back at the Flavour performance, the host for night, former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Munachi Abi hyped up revelers until the “Ada-Ada” singer got on stage by 11pm.

Flavour made up for the not so inspiring performance by D.J Yin, as he got the crowd into a frenzy with his hit song, “Oyi”. Mafkizolo was also part of the crowd that enjoyed Flavour render fans favorites like “Finaly”, “Sexy Rosey”, “Golibe” and “Shake”.

Read more gist from the concert @: https://frontlinenews.com.ng/girls-bbnaija-ex-housemates-show-flavour-love-the-dome-relaunch/

The Senate on Monday stated that Delta State Senator, Ovie Omo-Agege will be allowed to attend plenary on Tuesday.

The position of the Senate is contained a statement sent to Frontline News Online by the Senate President’s Media Office Monday night.

Senator Omo-Agege had told reporters over the weekend that he was going to attend plenary on Tuesday based on the strength of last Thursday’s judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Security was beefed up in the National Assembly ahead of his planned attendance, but the statement from the media office of the Senate President indicate that there would be no need for tension on Tuesday.

Read the full statement @: https://frontlinenews.com.ng/breaking-senate-to-allow-omo-agege-attend-plenary/

General Manager of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Mr. Etienne Gailliez, on Thursday May 10 led his team to host a long list of celebrities and top executives to a lively cocktail to present the new look Capital Bar.

One of the playgrounds of those who love to unwind and watch sporting events in an exclusive stetting, Gailliez kept things simple when he presented the reloaded Capital Bar to the public. He made do with mingling with guests.

More picture @:https://frontlinenews.com.ng/celebrities-storm-new-look-capital-bar-transcorp-hilton-abuja/

….Mafikizolo, Falz wow Abuja sybarites

Fans Swarm BBNaija Housemates

By Kemi Yesufu

Wonders on wheels, best of designers
Feelers of what turned out to be an uber classy event started with high profile guests arriving The Dome Abuja in some of the finest automobiles, dressed to impress.
Chairman of The Dome Entertainment, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, led his team in welcoming V.I.Ps as they stepped in for a long stretch of music, scintillating performances, good food, the refreshing company of gracious A-Listers and a free flow of sparkling wine.
The Dome relaunch tagged, “the reunion”, started with a late lunch the Paradiso Garden. But before lunch, Sound City’s V.J Adams held sway on the red carpet, speaking with an array of dignitaries including the minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Lai Mohammed.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo cuts the red tape
The high point of the night was the official commissioning of The Dome by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo. The Vice-President was conducted round the massive entertainment complex immediately after he cut the red tape and unveiled the commemorative plaque for the launch.
Compere for the night,Nigeria’s number one comedian, Ali Baba, started off by speaking on why an investment in tourism, leisure and entertainment is probably the best kind as the country seeks to diversify the economy.
Ali Baba, commended Dr.Okonkwo for renewing faith in the entertainment industry by injecting millions of naira to repackage The Dome. According to him, the new look Dome is a huge improvement on what was already a first class brand. Ali Baba wasn’t the only comedian in the house as fast rising act, Aproko thrilled guests with rib cracking jokes.

READ MORE @: https://frontlinenews.com.ng/osinbajo-lai-mohammed-lead-dignitaries-to-classy-dome-relaunch/

……President reneged on promise to pay counterpart funding

By Kemi Yesufu

Abdulkadir Ibrahim is the National Secretary of the Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN). According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari has shown little interest in the plight of Nigerians living the virus. Ibrahim who spoke to Frontline News Online on the sidelines of the 4th National Council on AIDS meeting held in Abuja recently, also expressed disappointment that the President has reneged on the promise he made at the United Nations General Assembly, that Nigeria will pay up its counterpart funding.


According to the NEPWHAN Scribe, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) is also affected by Federal Government’s failure to improve funding for the national response to HIV/AIDS.

“The support from the Federal Government is practically non-existent. Let me be honest with you, the current administration has not be forthcoming. We have challenges of funding. Even the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has struggled with funding.

“Sometimes, they go for three to four months without having funds released to the agency to carry out is functions. And we, the persons living with HIV rely on government. We can’t run to donors. They have their areas of focus. Besides, we know that the inflow of funds to Nigeria is declining by the day. We know the Nigerian government is funding treatment in Taraba and Abia, but we want more from them” he said.

Ibrahim went on to add that: “The issue of user fee is critical because you can’t be asking a poor woman coming from a far village to the treatment facility, to pay for user fee. Here is somebody, who is thinking of what she would eat. You cannot take ARVs on empty stomach. Asking a person still thinking of what to eat to pay user fee isn’t fair. It is time for the Nigerian government to pick what or the aspects of treatment it can begin to finance. For example, Nigeria can choose to take care issues of laboratory use, while the partners provide ARVs.

“But as it is, even the partners cry out that the Nigerian government is not paying its counterpart funding. I know many states will not be able to pay counterpart funding. I am not sure the president has paid the counterpart funding as promised when he attended the United Nation General Assembly. So my recommendation is that the Federal Government meets with donors, ask them how they will be supporting Nigeria”.

Read full interview @:https://frontlinenews.com.ng/exclusive-president-buhari-insensitive-to-suffering-of-persons-living-with-hiv-nepwhan-secretary/

By Kemi Yesufu, Abuja

The world over, scions of the rich and famous come in and out of the political arena. Here in Nigeria, one place, you’ll find a good number of politicians with a silver-spoon upbringing is the National Assembly FRONTLINE NEWS ONLINE presents you with the definitive list of federal lawmakers who come from highly influential families.

Bukola Saraki

The number one man in the National Assembly is the son of Late Senate Majority Leader, Oloye Shola Saraki. Many say, the younger Saraki has made a reality, the dream of many parents, that their children surpass their achievements. Not only did Bukola govern Kwara State for two terms, he also surpassed his dad by getting elected as president of the Senate. Despite his posh background, which shows in his carriage, quite a number of people describe Bukola as a shrewd politician, who has fully stepped into his late father’s shoes as the ultimate political godfather in Kwara. Bukola, whose younger sister, Gbemi also served as a federal lawmaker in the House of Representatives and the Senate is married to Toyin, who is the first daughter one of Nigeria’s wealthy investors, Otunba. Adekunle Ojora.

Yussuff Lasun

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives is a second generation politician, with his father Alhaji Amadu enjoying much popularity in Osun State. Lasun who is representing Irepodun/Olurunda/Osogbo/Orolu Federal Constituency of Osun State has on many occasions, gotten his colleagues chorusing his name when he presides over plenary. This is because of his strict approach. The Deputy Speaker in recent months has been making consultations over his wish of contesting for the number one office in his state and he often says that aside from building his own base, he will also benefit from his father’s goodwill.

Phillip Aduda

The only senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) comes from one of the most influential families among the Gwaris, the original settlers in Abuja. His mother, Jummai was one politician, those gunning for elections in Abuja had to consult. She is credited for playing a major role in her son’s success in politics. Phillip, served in the House before moving to the Senate, where is he is half way into his second term. The young lawmaker is also married to Hauwa, who’s father once held away as Etsu Karu.

Olanrewaju Tejuosho

Though he doesn’t walk with a chip on his shoulder , the trained doctor is a prince of the dynasty of Oba Adedapo


Tejuoso, the Osile of Oke-Ona Egba. The lawmaker who chairs the Senate Committee on Health is also the grandson of foremost female industrialist, Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso. He wedded Moji, daughter of highly successful industrialist, Rasak Okoya in a lavish wedding in the 80s, that the high society still remembers.

Abdussamad Dasuki

Abdussamad Dasuki is the member representing Kebba/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto state. Abdussamad, who chairs the House Committee on Navy is the son of the late Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki.

Aminu Shehu Shagari

The member representing Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency is President Shehu Shagari’s son. The legislator who is the chairman of the House Committee on Federal Judiciary is known for often taking a nationalistic stance on issues. He is rarely partisan and one of the well spoken lawmakers in the Green Chamber.

Read full list @: https://frontlinenews.com.ng/revealed-national-assembly-members-born-into-wealth/

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has resumed work after his month long leave of absence.

Frontline News Online can report that, he was on of the ministers who attended Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo.



President Muhammadu Buhari had approved a leave of absence requested by the minister to allow him seek the nomination of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) to stand as a candidate in the July 14 governorship poll.

Th one-month leave commenced on April 9 and ended today. But it not clear what the next move of the minister would be as the primary has been rescheduled for Friday.

The APC resorted to rescheduling the primary after it ended in violence, with some aspirants calling for its outright cancellation.

Some critics have frowned at Fayemi’s continued stay in the Federal Executive Council as during the Jonathan administration ministers were asked to resign to run for office.

Read more at :https://frontlinenews.com.ng/questions-as-kayode-fayemi-attends-fec-with-apc-ekiti-governorship-primary-rescheduled-for-friday/

May 6, 2018 Frontline News Around The States, Politics



Minister of Mines and Steel development and governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and former lawmaker, Bimbo Daramola are locked in a war of words, over the disruption of the party’s governorship primary election on Saturday.



Suspected thugs believed to be working for some aspirants in the race disrupted the primaries with videos from the chaos that ensued, going viral on social media Saturday night.

In a statement issued on his behalf by Yinka Oyebode, his media aide, Fayemi accused Senator Babafemi Ojudu, a former senator, and Daramola, an ex-member of the house of representatives, of being too desperate.

According to Fayemi saying the party did not deserve the type of ridicule it was subjected to.

Claiming to have secured the highest votes in the botched primary, Fayemi said the disruption was the height of desperation on the part of aspirants who saw defeat staring them in the face.

“It is quite painful seeing some desperate elements trying so much to rubbish the party we all laboured to build to national reckoning, out of share lust for power,” he said.

“If the quest for political position is to serve, then one wonders why the desperation being displayed by the likes of Femi Ojudu and Bimbo Daramola.

“Certainly the conduct of these desperate aspirants falls short of the minimum standards expected of anyone that professes progressive ideals. We urge our teeming supporters and loyal party members not to be discouraged by this despicable act. This surely shall pass, and better days are ahead. Our collective rescue mission has indeed begun”, Fayemi stated in the press release.

But Daramola who worked as Fayemi’s Director-General in 2014 has replied his ex-boss, saying it was unfair to link him to events that led to the disruption of the APC governorship primaries.


The former member of the House of Representatives in a Facebook post ,said while he has restrained from speaking out against the minister, but had to clear his reputation.

He opined that Fayemi’s position on the inconclusive primaries was based on a false belief that he is popular among delegates.

Read more @:https://frontlinenews.com.ng/ekiti-2018-gov-fayose-mocks-apc-as-fayemi-daramola-clash-in-bitter-war-of-words/

Nigeria’s largest entertainment centre, The Dome Abuja, is set for a re-opening that will get the members of the high society talking for a long time.

Already, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has confirmed attendance for the Friday May 11 re-launch of the celebrity hangout.

Probably the most admired Vice-President , since the return of democracy, Osinbajo will do the honors of cutting the red tape to formally declare The Dome open.


Adding to the buzz around town is the latest gist that ladies favorite, Chinedu Okoli, better known as Flavour, will be performing at the main event signaling the re-opening of The Dome.



The talented singer and instrumentalist, who’s as admired for his chiseled looks and sex appeal as his electrifying stage presence, will be joined by one of South Africa’s biggest music exports, Mafikizolo.

Read more at: https://frontlinenews.com.ng/flavour-funke-akindele-mafikizolo-lead-cast-for-the-dome-re-opening/

The senator representing Kogi West, Mr. Dino Melaye is has been arraigned at the Magistrate Court,Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, Frontline News Online can reveal.

Frontline News Online also gathered that the lawmaker has been granted bail. A close associate of the senator described as highly regrettable, the refusal of the police to let go of Melaye, despite the being granted.

“We have finished with the court hearing and the senator has been granted bail. But the police wont let him go”, the source said while pleading for anonymity.

“Combat-ready Policemen blocked all the roads leading to the court”, he further disclosed.
read more @
https://frontlinenews.com.ng/police-abuja-magistrate-court-grants-bail/

Angry electricity users stormed the town hall meeting organised by House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating means of Curbing the Excessive  Electricity Charges Levied on Consumers, on Monday with tales of woe.



The meeting was for customers in the North Central zone. Earlier. The committee had been to Lagos, Enugu and Yola.

Many of the consumers who came from Kogi, Niger, Nassarawa and the Federal Capital Territory to the session that held in Nassarawa on Monday, took turns to present their complaints.

The areas of dissatisfaction highlighted  included over- billing, non- supply of electricity, rude staff, none- supply of transformers, ignored complaints and low voltage to mention a few.

The displeased customers also did have not compliments for the Managing Director of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) Ernest  Mupwaya , even as they raised various  questions especially on the estimated billing system and  issues on operational inefficiencies and inadequacies.

During the tense meeting, there was a major argument on if Communities that buy transformers for themselves in a bid to assist in providing electricity should be compensated or not.

Read more at:
https://frontlinenews.com.ng/angry-customers-want-reps-to-end-era-of-crazy-electricity-bills/

US President demands a stop to attacks on Christians

…..Buhari commends US President for assisting Nigeria to purchase aircrafts

By Kemi Yesufu

President Donald Trump has again called on President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that attacks on Christians and churches are stopped.

Trump made a similar call during a bilateral trade meeting with President Buhari.

“We are deeply worried by religious violence in Nigeria, including the burning of churches, the killing and persecution of Christians. It’s a horrible story. We encourage Nigeria, the federal, state and local leaders to do everything in their power to immediately secure the affected communities and immediately secure innocent civilians of all faiths”, the U.S president said.

The American president’s advice that the killing of innocent people, most especially Christians be halted, formed part of his introductory remarks during a joint media interaction with President Buhari at the Rose Garden in the White House on Monday.

However, when President Trump was asked by a Nigerian reporter when the Super Tucano aircrafts for which the Federal Government controversially deposited about $496 million will be delivered, he didn’t give a specific answer.

He only promised that the helicopters will be delivered to the Nigerian government, “very soon”.

Read more at: https://frontlinenews.com.ng/president-trump-fails-to-give-delivery-date-for-496m-super-tucano-helicopters/

-Warns president against making negative statements about Nigeria in Washington

By Kemi Yesufu

Ekiti Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose has accused President Muhammadu Buhari and governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) of approving $1 billion for defense expenditure, without the backing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP.

Speaking during the Sunday Politics programme on Channels TV, Fayose insisted that governors belonging to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were kept in the dark on the matter.

The governor who wondered why the Federal Government needs such a huge amount of money for defence and security after declaring Boko Haram technically defeated, said it was wrong for the Federal Government to make the important decision of taking money from the Excess Crude Account without the consent of all the governors.

He also reiterated his position that the Excess Crude Account (ECA) is illegal and all monies accruing to the Federal Government should be kept in the Federation Account and shared to the three tiers of government.

The $1 billion expenditure for defence has continued to generate controversy with the National Assembly accusing President Muhammadu Buhari of committing an impeachable offence by approving the release of $496, 374, 470 million (N151, 394, 421, 335 billion) as part payment for the purchase of Super Tucano aircraft from the United States without its approval.

Read more at: https://frontlinenews.com.ng/fayose-flays-buhari-says-approval-of-1b-defense-expenditure-done-behind-pdp-governors/

April 29, 2018 Frontline News Celebs




One of the big stories making rounds in the Nigerian high society is the birth of twins by former Most Beautiful Girl In Nigeria (MGBN), Rep. Lynda Ikpeazu in the U.S.

The ranking lawmaker was the winner of the first Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant.

Details around the birth of the twins, a girl and a boy, which many have celebrated as good news remains sketchy. Calls and SMS sent to Ms. Ikpeazu’s known number didn’t get a response.

Read more @:

https://frontlinenews.com.ng/former-mbgn-turned-lawmaker-lynda-ikpeazu-gives-birth-to-twins-at-52/

https://frontlinenews.com.ng/interview-mace-theft-dumb-action-sponsored-by-outsiders-rep-golu/




Rep. Timothy Golu is the chairman House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Budget and Research. In this interview with KEMI YESUFU, he speaks on recent trending topics such as the stealing of the Senate’s mace and President Muhammadu Buhari calling Nigerian youths lazy. The member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State also spoke on why he wants to return to National Assembly for a second term.


Many are of the opinion that a good number of members of the House of Representatives will not be re-contesting because they say their time in the House hasn’t been that profitable. Some members, say they aren’t really getting return on investment, could it be that the reverse is the case for you and that’s why you’ve declared for a second term?

I have indicated interest to return to the House in 2019. But for me, I wish to return to complete an unfinished job. I have a mandate and I desire to meet the targets of the mandate. The mandate is to ensure that I attract and lobby for projects and interventions for my people. My constituency is one of the most disadvantaged in the country in different terms. I come from a constituency of hardworking and God fearing people. My people are ready to work for their survival, but the opportunities are hard to find. We aren’t those states or LGAs, where you have oil or other commercial ventures, that our people can key into. So, we have to rely heavily on the Federal Government and because of this, we need a strong presence at the federal level and without a strong presence, you can’t even identify where there are opportunities or how to attract development to the people. Yes, there people who can do this in the MDAs. But for me, the most credible and legitimate way of harnessing opportunities for your people is from the position of an elected representative. It’s not about my wanting to be a ranking member like you mentioned. Yes, it will be a plus and I will be returning with more experience to even help my people much more and in a better way. But so far, I haven’t disappointed them. I have been able to attract development to my constituency in the last three years. Is it road projects, is it water projects? When you talk about empowerment programmes and finding job opportunities, I have done a lot of that. But my constituency is still far behind in terms of development and that’s why we need an experienced member in the House to work even harder.

Are you one those that have made enough money in the National Assembly to fund a re-run?

Where is the money you are talking about? If it is about making money, I wouldn’t be seeking a second term. Honestly, I am propelled by the will to do more for my people. During the last primaries, somebody gave some delegates N250 thousand each, yet they voted for me. They know that somebody can give them N250 thousand, then you won’t see them in another four years. But the person who didn’t give you such an amount of money, but is sincere and committed, can come back frequently with jobs, roads, water projects and all. When you work for your people or support them with a clean heart, they will reward you with their loyalty. I have been in the State House of Assembly, now I am in the National Assembly and I haven’t seen the money people talk about. I am not one of those whose happiness and peace of mind is dependent on having money. Some people cannot sleep when they don’t have money in their pocket or bank account, not me.

So are you saying you are one of the very few poor politicians?

From the religious perspective, I won’t say yes to that. I won’t cage myself by using negative words to describe who I am or what state I am in. I can never say, ‘I am suffering’. Words are spirits that’s why you don’t see them and when they are spoken, they don’t fall on shallow ground. People play with words that’s why they are suffering. I hope to go higher when it comes to helping not just individuals, but helping communities meet their aspirations. That’s my goal in life, for people to see me and be happy. And I believe that you really cannot make people happy without giving when you can. My goals aren’t tied to making money only.

The impression you have given is that you don’t play money politics. How then have you gotten this far in politics, winning three elections?

Number one reason for my being here is God. I cannot explain it…. It’s by God’s grace that I have gotten to where I am today. You also have to be honest. You don’t have to be perfect, just be honest with your people. In Plateau State, we don’t have anything like godfathers. In fact, in most cases the people will not support or vote for you, if they believe you are the government candidate. The people prefer that you’re an independent minded person. They prefer that you are a person they can talk to and you take decisions on your own.

If a young journalists wanting to contest for office meets you, how would advice him?

I would advice that he is free with the people. He/she should be honest with them. Don’t be arrogant, rather, respect and help the people. The people will see your sincerity. You can even disarm those people who don’t like you with your conduct. You have to look unto God for his special grace. The truth is, when it is time for election, there will be people you will oppose you. But I have kept to my philosophy of respecting, working for the people and that’s why when I stand for election things fall into place eventually. I also haven’t forgotten how I used to analyse politics and politicians as a journalist. So, I try not to be on the wrong side. I know that if I am not doing the right things, that’s how others will analyse my actions and place me where I wouldn’t like to be placed. That’s why, if I am not in the chamber for sitting, I am at a committee meeting. If I am not at both places, I must be out on oversight functions. I am always on my toes fighting for opportunities for my people. I know that if you stay one with the people and you do your very best, they will support you.


Rep. Timothy Golu
You have made your wishes for a second term in the House known. But it seems the rest of the politicians in the Plateau PDP are quiet. Why is your party so quiet, with only Gen Jeremiah Oseni (Retd) declaring his intention to run for governorship?

Well, we are picking up. At the national level, we have overcome our troubles and we have re-emerged stronger. At the state level, we are strategising and when you are strategising, you don’t talk too much. Sometimes, politics is not about making noise but putting your house in order and when you talk, you speak with certainty.

You started out in politics as a young person and you have worked all these years for your people. You have been effective. But President Muhammadu Buhari recently said, Nigerian youths are lazy and they want to live a good life without working for it. What’s your opinion about Nigerian youths?

I don’t know the context based on which the president made the statement. Maybe he used one situation, but he shouldn’t have generailsed. I don’t think the president would just say publicly that Nigerian youths are lazy. He might have been trying to talk about a particular situation, the best thing would have been for him to guide himself with that situation and not generelise. Now, the youths are angry with him for generalising. Nigerian youths are not lazy. If given the opportunity the youths can do better. You remember that the National Assembly passed the Peace Corps Bill, so that youths can be engaged in building peace in a new kind of way. We wanted the youths to be involved with promoting peace. It is part of the responsibility of those in government to provide youths with opportunities, they can build on.

Still talking about youths, some of them were led into the Senate and they stole the mace. Don’t you think situations like this one makes certain people say youths are not living up to expectation?

Let’s look at it from two perspectives. First is that, the whole episode was sponsored by some people. Then, for a young person to allow himself to be used for such an act smacks of a lack of intelligence. What is the aim of anyone snatching the mace? They picked up the mace, another mace was brought in and the senators continued with plenary. The man who was the mastermind sat down. You didn’t want the sitting to take place and when you saw that the mace was replaced, you sat under the authority of the replaced mace. It’s the dumbest thing anyone could have done. What happened in the Senate was the dumbest crime, committed by the dumbest people. There were cameras recording the proceedings of the sitting, yet, you came out to deny that you were not involved in the incident.

Some keen observers have described the snatching of the mace as a strong reaction to an 8th Assembly that has suspended three lawmakers for long periods, leaving their constituents without representation.

Let me tell you that it has nothing to do with what you’re saying. Is there any organisation without laws? Even animals groups are organised. Is it the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), which you belong to that doesn’t have a code of conduct? So is it out of place for the NUJ to suspend a member for breaching its laws? The NBA, NMA, even student groups have rules and can suspend members for breaking these rules, talk more of the National Assembly. The people saying that the snatching of the Senate mace is as result of members being suspended should drop this lame argument. How can you be trying to argue against members protecting the institution of the National Assembly by ensuring we all keep to the rules? If we allow people behave anyhow they like, we would be destroying the National Assembly as an institution, we would have allowed some people toy with our democracy.

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrontlineNewsNG
Follow us on Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/FrontlineNewsNG/

How group stormed National Stadium Abuja


Many residents of the capital city have switched to the panic mode, as thousands of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) revved up their protests for the release of their leader Ibrahim El-Zakzaky for the past 48 hours.

There have been texts shared on wassap messaging application by residents of the capital city, calling on people to ensure that peace prevails and government intervenes to prevent the situation from escalating. Abuja resident have also taken to the social media reporting on the massive turnout of the Shi’ite protesters.

Frontline News Online on Thursday witnessed hundreds of members of the Shi’ite Islamic group march peacefully through the Shehu Shagari Way, where the Federal Secretariat is located. The same road is where the Three Arms Zone in which the National Assembly, the Aso Rock Presidential Villa as well the Supreme Court branches are located.

The Shi’ite protesters which included women and children, chanted calls for El-Zakzaky to be released by the Federal Government. The procession was well organised with some members performing assigned roles such as picking dirt from where other protesters walked through, there also were youths who ensured that cars passed through easily, just as they had members who covered the event with cameras.

Late Friday night, an Abuja resident called Frontline News Online with information, that a large number of IMN members where at Wuse Zone 4 Nepa junction as well as near Sheraton Hotel.

He went on to see them at the Area 1 Garki roundabout. “These people are serious this time around. I managed to drive through them, to head up to my area, at the Prince and Princess Estate neighborhood. They didn’t bother anyone. But their presence in intimidating nonetheless”, he said.

The Sun reports that El-Zazaky’s supporters stormed the national stadium Abuja in the early hours of Thursday with cooking utensils and large quantities of foodstuff and made frantic efforts to gain entrance into the main bowl but were resisted by private security guards.

Daily Sun also reports that when attempts by IMN members get into the stadium failed, they promptly settled at the entrance, preparing food and serving members arriving on buses, with even more foodstuffs and cooking utensils.

Although not violent in their protest and demonstration for the release of their leader, who has been detained by the Department of the State Services (DSS) for few years, they however continued to put pressure on the security manning the gate, demanding they be allowed entrance into the stadium.

Expressing anger at the situation, a staff of the private security outfit guarding the stadium told Daily Sun that members of the group constituted a nuisance.

“We have been pleading with them to leave the gate because they are becoming a public nuisance. They have continued to put pressure on us to open the gate for them to enter the stadium and the more we resist them the more they press harder,” the guard explained.

“As you can see, what could be uglier than the discomforting sight of cooking in front of the stadium. This is the entry point into the FCT. They came here with large volume of foodstuff and cooking utensils as you can see. They have been preparing one form of good after another.

“We have informed the police to come to our aid because we are not armed and we can’t confront them with bare hands. We cannot handle their disturbances if the situation degenerates more than this. We want to take permission from the relevant authority to close the gate permanently before they pull it down and enter forcefully,” he said.

Recall that the Shi’ite group protested the continued detention of the El-Zakzaky, clashing
with the police at the National Assembly Complex on Monday, before they took their protest to the U.S. Embassy.

The security personnel manning the main gate, who had prevented them from gaining access to the premises, fired tear gas into the air while dispersing them. Some of the protesters were subsequently arrested.

Read more stories @ https://frontlinenews.com.ng