By Mike Odiakose, Abujan

Immediate past Deputy Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon Adesegun Abdel-Majid Adekoya, has debunked speculations that he is planning to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Hon Adekoya has been a member of the PDP from the party’s formative year in 1998.

Speaking to Journalists in his country home in Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, the grassroot mobilizer popularly called Attacker, declared that despite the wave of defections ahead of 2027 election, he has absolutely no plans to join the APC.

He declared that most of the politicians Defecting to the APC are doing for personal reasons and not for the interest of their people as most of them claimed.

According to him, most of the defectors have skeletons in their closets and are desperate for political cover.

He also attributed defection to APC by some politicians to financial reasons.

“But let me make it absolutely clear—crossing to APC has never crossed my mind. I have no reason to, and by the grace of Almighty Allah, I’m not financially desperate or in need of political cover, which is often the case for many who defect.

“Let’s be honest. Most people who switch parties do so because they have skeletons in their closets. Otherwise, why would a sitting governor, supposedly confident in his leadership, jump ship to APC?”

Making reference to the recent event of switching from one party to another that took place in Akwa Ibom for example, he stressed that it well known fact that the entire PDP structure rejected their governor’s attempt to drag them into APC.

“Even key commissioners and the majority of the House of Assembly refused to follow him. That tells you everything.

“So if someone asks me if I’m going to join APC, or work for Tinubu my answer is simple is in between.

Hon Adekoya also frowned at the absurdity in some of the actions of the Ogun State government.

Citing an instance he said: “I was once invited to an event by the Ogun State government. Ironically, the letter arrived on Eid day. I was told someone from the state was at my gate, and I expected good news.

“Instead, they handed me an invitation for June 12th. I felt insulted. On a sacred holiday meant for giving, you bring me a letter demanding my time and money?

“Traveling to Abeokuta would cost me about ₦50,000. Why should I do that for a government I’ve gained nothing from, one that’s brought no benefit to the people?

“We still have electric poles installed six years ago that have never worked. We still have children in public schools wearing tattered uniforms. Many schools only have two government-supplied shirts—the rest are PTA donations.
Is that the system I’m expected to support?”

Hon Adekoya, who sponsored the Teachers Enhancement Act that saw the elongation of the length of service years for Teachers nationwide when he was in the National Assembly, lamented that the state of our education sector is disgraceful.

“Most public schools in Ogun State barely survive. The government does next to nothing, so concerned citizens like me are forced to step in.

“We lobby education departments with College of Education, and University to consider our area as a priority when send student for Teaching Practices or NYSC, we provide accommodation for teachers, and even offer stipends—all because we care. But not everyone has access to these networks. The average student is suffering.

“In my own political experience, there period I have to spent over millions on litigation alone while contesting under PDP vs APC candidates, in contrast, I might just spend less. Why? Because the state electoral process is rigged in favor of those who already have the nod from the powers that be.

“Imagine what I could have done for the people if I had invested that ₦160 million in community development instead of fighting legal battles. Politics in this country has become a financial sinkhole with little return for the masses.

“As a person with Political Journey and Vision that
rose through the ranks, from council chairman to House of Representatives, I didn’t parachute into politics. So when someone from nowhere is handed a ticket over those of us with long-standing records of service, it’s a absorb.”

Despite his interest in public service, particularly in returning to the House of Representatives, he said the Senate doesn’t appeal to him.

“I want to finish what I started—especially abandoned projects in Degubo and the Ogbe Waterside areas. From uncompleted hospitals to stadiums overtaken by weeds, there’s a lot to fix.

“In Degubo alone, I spearheaded projects like town halls, bridges, classrooms, and the rehabilitation of royal palaces. But sadly, some federal projects like the Ogbe Paper Mill were sold off and looted. I fought hard against that, but the place had already been privatized. There was little I could do beyond raising motions in the House.”

He future declared that he believes that 2027 will be different, stressing that he knows that Nigerians are tired, hungry and disillusioned.

“It won’t be about APC or PDP anymore—it will be about individuals with integrity and vision. The people will vote for character, not party.

“As for Tinubu, if he wants to contest again, he must change. The dominance of Lagos-based appointments is hurting the Yoruba nation. Out of ten appointments, eight go to Lagos. That imbalance must be corrected if there’s to be unity.
I still have faith that change is possible—but only if we focus on people, not party platforms.”

He added that it is possible for someone that is concerned about the welfare of his constituents to be close to the government without compromising their principles.

“You can be close to government without selling your soul. Proximity doesn’t have to mean compromise. And certainly, it shouldn’t mean betrayal of your people.

“I’ve maintained my independence, and I will continue to fight for what’s right. If given another chance, I’ll serve again—not for fame, but to complete the work I started and ensure my people see the benefits of good governance.

“Let it be known: I am not joining APC, and I will never allow personal gain to override public service,” he said.

From Yagana Ali Yola 

The Nigeria Customs Service, Zone D, Adamawa State, has made significant seizures of petroleum products and arrested suspects in various smuggling operations. 

The seizures include 2,276 jerricans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 19 jerricans of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦95,695,000.

The controller general of custom Bashir Adewale Adeniyi , who was represented by the commander operations whirlwind 

HK Ejibunu said the smuggling operations were intercepted at various notorious smuggling flashpoints, including Malabu-Belel Axis, Girei-Wuro Bokki Axis, Gurin-Fufore Axis, Jamtari Axis, Maiha Axis, Jimeta Waterside, and Mubi-Sahuda Axis.

The petroleum products were carefully concealed and being prepared for illegal export or distribution to neighboring countries.

Earlier in his welcome address the controller Nigeria custom Adamawa/ Taraba command HB Bashir call on good people of Adamawa state to cooperate with the command in other to bring to an  end  the activity of the Economics saboteurs who snuggled PMS to the neighboring country of Cameron  at detriment of Nigerian.

However, the Nigeria Customs Service reported a disturbing incident of a violent mob attack on its operatives while on duty. The officers were ambushed by violent mobs and smugglers who barricaded access roads and assaulted the officers. One of the attackers was fatally injured during the chaos.

The smuggling of PMS not only results in revenue loss for the country but also puts additional pressure on the already strained fuel supply chain. The Nigeria Customs Service is committed to curbing such illicit activities that threaten national security.

The Service is working with relevant security agencies to identify and bring all perpetrators to justice. The public is urged to support law enforcement activities by providing timely intelligence and standing against such wicked acts and criminalities.

The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to its mission of protecting the nation’s borders and preventing economic sabotage. The Service condemns the violent attack on its operatives and reiterates its zero-tolerance stance toward violence and obstruction of official duty.

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From Abel Zwanke, Lafia 

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote grassroots entrepreneurship and self-reliance, the Community Initiative for Character Moulding and Entrepreneurship Development (CiCMED), under its Future Planter Happy World Project, has empowered women in 12 communities across Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State with poultry starter kits.

The one-day community engagement, themed “Building Self-sufficiency and a Brighter Future for Nigerian Mothers and Children (Happy World),” was designed to equip rural women with the resources needed to establish and sustain small-scale poultry farming ventures.

Beneficiaries received 240 Nuellas (pullet chicks), poultry drinkers and feeders, and bags of chicken feed to aid their startups.

Speaking during the one Day distribution exercise on Wednesday, the programme coordinator, Mr. Kefas Tigga, said the empowerment was a deliberate effort to build economic resilience among women, particularly in underserved communities.

“This project is a response to the need for sustainable empowerment. We believe that by equipping women with these poultry items, they can generate income, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to local food production,” Tigga stated.

He acknowledged the vital support of Rt. Hon. Musa Ahmed Mohammed, the Nasarawa State Accountant General, who also holds the traditional title of Baraden Nasarawa, for his unwavering commitment to community development.

“We’re grateful to Rt. Hon. Musa Ahmed Mohammed, the Nasarawa State Accountant General, for his continued support for initiatives that promote economic growth and social impact at the grassroots,” he added.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Amina Adamu, expressed her gratitude, describing the project as a life-changing intervention.

“This is the kind of support we need. With these birds and feeds, I can start something immediately. I’m very grateful,” she said.

CiCMED reaffirmed its dedication to closely monitoring the beneficiaries’ progress and pledged to extend the Future Planter Happy World Project to more communities across the state.