By Abashi Rahab

I read the article titled “End ‘One-Way’ Driving on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway,” published on June 2, 2026, with mixed feelings. The article rightly draws attention to the growing menace of motorists driving against traffic on one of Nigeria’s busiest highways and to the tragic consequences that often follow. The reported death of a dispatch rider is a painful reminder of the dangers associated with this reckless and unlawful practice.

‎I fully agree that one-way driving poses a serious threat to public safety and should be condemned in the strongest terms. No destination is worth risking innocent lives, and all road users have a responsibility to obey traffic regulations designed to protect everyone.

‎However, while the article advocates stricter enforcement and tougher sanctions for offenders, the problem requires a broader and more sustainable response. The persistence of one-way driving despite existing laws suggests that punishment alone may not be enough to eliminate the practice.

‎One factor that deserves attention is the severe traffic congestion that frequently characterises the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Although traffic delays do not justify violating the law, they often contribute to the frustration that leads some motorists to make dangerous decisions. Addressing congestion through better road planning and traffic management should therefore form part of the solution.

‎There is also a need for improved road signage, clearer diversions, and better communication regarding alternative routes. Motorists are more likely to comply with traffic regulations when they are provided with safe and practical options.

‎Public awareness campaigns should equally be intensified. While most drivers know that one-way driving is an offence, many may not fully appreciate the devastating consequences it can have. Continuous sensitisation through traditional and digital media can help reinforce responsible driving habits and promote a culture of road safety.

‎Equally important is the consistent and impartial enforcement of traffic laws. Regulations must apply to all road users regardless of status or influence. When some individuals appear to evade sanctions, public confidence in the system is weakened and compliance declines.

‎Government agencies should also embrace modern traffic management technologies, including surveillance cameras, automated monitoring systems, and intelligent traffic control measures. These tools can improve enforcement, enhance traffic flow, and reduce opportunities for dangerous violations.

The article’s recommendation to install anti-one-way devices is commendable and warrants serious consideration. However, such measures should complement broader efforts to address the underlying causes of the problem rather than serve as a standalone solution.

‎Ultimately, ending one-way driving on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway requires a combination of effective law enforcement, public education, improved infrastructure, better traffic management, and collective responsibility. While offenders must be held accountable, lasting success will depend on giving equal attention to prevention.

‎The loss of even one life due to a preventable traffic violation is one too many. Government agencies, security personnel, transport unions, and motorists must therefore work together to ensure that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway becomes safer for all who use it.

‎Abashi Rahab is a Strategic Communication student at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, and an intern at IMPR. He wrote via ‎abashirahab@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops have arrested a man suspected to have taken part in the recent attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The suspect, identified as Paul Kolsen, was arrested on Sunday at about 3:30 p.m. at Farm Centre. Security sources said he was “receiving treatment for a gunshot wound” believed to have been sustained during the attack on the institute on July 2.

According to security sources cited by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication that reports on the Lake Chad region, the arrest followed intelligence reports received by security operatives. The sources added that other suspects connected to the incident had earlier been arrested.

The July 2 incident marked another attack on the institution within a short period. During the assault, troops reportedly exchanged gunfire with suspected Berom militia members. One of the attackers was killed, while others escaped into nearby rocky areas.

Security personnel also recovered a service rifle with registration number “CO-3175” during the operation.

Authorities said the weapon had earlier been stolen from a soldier who lost his life during an attack on troops at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, on April 11.

The discovery of the rifle has prompted investigators to examine possible connections between the attacks on NIPSS and previous assaults on security personnel along the Kuru-Vom corridor.

Kolsen is currently in military custody as investigations continue into his alleged role in the attack and the activities of other suspected members of the group behind the repeated assaults.

Security agencies said operations based on intelligence gathering are still ongoing in the area to arrest more suspects and dismantle the network believed to be responsible for the attacks.

NIPSS, regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading policy and leadership institutions, has suffered three separate attacks by gunmen between June 16 and July 2.

The attacks reportedly resulted in the deaths of about three security operatives and one suspected militia member.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has strongly criticised FIFA over its decision to suspend the automatic one-match ban handed to United States forward Folarin Balogun after his red card incident at the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

UEFA, in a statement released on Monday, said the move threatens the credibility of football regulations and could affect the integrity of the tournament.

The European football body stated that FIFA’s decision “crossed a red line,” insisting that rules governing the game must remain consistent and free from selective interpretation.

“Yesterday’s decision to suspend for a probationary period of a year the implementation of the one-match automatic suspension following the red card issued to the player Folarin Balogun crossed a red line,” UEFA said.

The organisation noted that football depends on strict adherence to established regulations to guarantee fairness in competitions across the world.

“Football, like any other sports, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition. Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not,” the statement added.

UEFA maintained that an automatic suspension after a red card is compulsory and should not depend on discretionary decisions.

“A minimum automatic suspension of one match following a red card is not a discretionary option and does not require the decision of a competent body to be enacted.”

The football body also warned that allowing exceptions during a major tournament could create problems for future cases involving other players who served similar punishments without exemption.

According to UEFA, the principle of automatic suspension is already established within football regulations and should apply equally to all players and teams.

The organisation further warned that weakening confidence in football rules could damage the sport globally.

“When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined,” it said.

UEFA also argued that the decision may force FIFA to apply similar treatment in future incidents during the World Cup.

“where similar situations will now require an equal treatment, to the detriment of the competition.”

The body stressed that football enjoys worldwide trust because the same laws apply everywhere.

“Football is the most loved sport in the world because it is a beautiful game and is trusted because it is played everywhere with the same laws. A tournament is never a pure standalone and, if the tournament in question is the World Cup, it has the power to drive positive or negative consequences on the game as a whole,” UEFA stated.

The organisation described FIFA’s action as unprecedented and difficult to justify.

“We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.”

The controversy surrounding Balogun’s eligibility has continued to attract reactions from football authorities and stakeholders. Critics argue that the decision raises concerns about fairness and consistency in the administration of the World Cup.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter also criticised the development after reports emerged that the White House allegedly contacted FIFA over the matter before Balogun was cleared to play against Belgium in Monday’s Round of 16 match.

“Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls. They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies,” Blatter said.

He questioned FIFA’s handling of the issue and raised concerns over possible political interference in football matters.

“If a U.S. President intervenes with the FIFA President — and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match — the question is unavoidable: Quo vadis (Where are you going), FIFA?”

Blatter further warned against allowing politics to influence football administration.

“Football must never become a playground for political power,” he said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A report by the Associated Press has claimed that a senior official at the White House contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino over the suspension handed to United States forward Folarin Balogun at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The development followed FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s one-match ban for one year, a move that cleared the striker to feature in the United States’ round-of-16 clash against Belgium.

According to TheCable, which cited the Associated Press report, a person familiar with the matter disclosed that a top US government official reached out to Infantino concerning the disciplinary action.

However, the source did not reveal the identity of the official or when the call took place.

Balogun had received a red card in the 64th minute of the United States’ round-of-32 encounter against Bosnia and Herzegovina after a dangerous challenge. The striker was initially expected to miss the next match because of the suspension.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee later invoked Article 27 of its code and suspended the ban for one year. The decision made Balogun available for Tuesday’s encounter against Belgium. The forward has scored three goals in the tournament.

US President Donald Trump reacted to the decision on Truth Social. He thanked FIFA for reversing what he described as an unfair punishment against the player.

The decision has, however, sparked criticism from the Belgian Football Association, which expressed shock over FIFA’s action.

The federation said it is “astonished” by the FIFA ruling, adding that the decision contravenes the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 competition regulations.

The Belgian FA added that it is examining “all potential options” to protect the integrity of the competition.

“Furthermore, and irrespective of the above, the decision is in direct contradiction with the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, as set out in Article 10.5,” the statement read.

“‘If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.’

“The automatic nature of such a suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on 12 May 2026.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A growing number of public primary schools in rural communities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are battling severe infrastructural decay, a situation that has forced many pupils to learn on bare floors, under leaking roofs and beneath trees.

Findings first reported by TheCable revealed that several schools in communities such as Yangoji East, Kigbe, Ebo, Gbagbalagbe and Makanima lack basic facilities needed for effective learning.

At LEA Nomadic Primary School in Yangoji East, pupils attend classes under makeshift shelters made from dried palm fronds and weak tree branches. The school, which was established in 2020, reportedly has no proper classroom structures, chairs or desks.

Nine-year-old Badiku Saliu, one of the pupils, said the harsh learning conditions discourage him from attending school regularly.

“I don’t feel comfortable during rainy seasons, but there is nothing I can do, so I skip school,” Saidu said in Fulfulde.

The pupil explained that the lack of infrastructure has weakened his interest in formal education despite his ambition to become a teacher.

The report stated that nearly 100 pupils in the school face similar conditions daily. During rainfall, classes are often disrupted because there are no secure structures to shield the children and their teachers.

Adamu Bauchi, a parent whose children attend the school, appealed to authorities to provide learning facilities.

“I ensure that my children go to school every day, even though learning occurs under trees. I want the government to provide boreholes, chairs, desks, tables, buildings, and other important things to aid learning,” Bauchi said.

The head teacher, Ladi Danlami, also described the school environment as unsuitable for teaching and learning.

“We demarcated the school into two classes because of a lack of structure and seats. The students sit on the bare floor, and some who can provide sacks sit on them while the teacher sits on these benches,” she said.

“The children and parents are discouraged, and they complain. We have also complained and written to authorities like the FCT Universal Basic Education Board and the Nomadic Commission.”

She added: “The school has nothing – no chairs, tables, or structures – and if rain falls, we cannot come to school, or we have to run home.”

At LEA Primary School, Kigbe, many pupils reportedly sit or lie on dusty classroom floors until they reach primary five before gaining access to chairs and desks.

“There are no chairs until primary 5. When I was in primary one, the pupils in primary 5 and 6 had chairs,” a pupil, Ibrahim Sheyemi, said.

“We are only managing the chairs,” she added.

Another pupil, Abdulrasak Aliyu, recalled that he spent years writing while lying on the floor.

“I started writing on the desk in primary six,” he said.

Teachers at the school also lamented the shortage of facilities. Dauda Dogara, the school’s desk officer, said both teachers and pupils struggle daily because of the poor learning environment.

“I share the chair with my students, and we don’t even have a table,” Dogara noted.

He said many pupils leave school before lessons end because of discomfort and health challenges linked to sitting on the floor.

At LEA Primary School in Ebo, over 50 pupils reportedly share only a few chairs with their teachers inside a mud-walled building.

“There are more than 50 pupils in the school, but many of them don’t come because we don’t have enough seats,” teacher Muhammed Dauda said.

“As you can see, the environment is not conducive. If not because it is government work, no one would leave the comfort of their home to come and sit here,” he added.

The situation at LEA Primary School, Makanima, was also described as unsafe after parts of the roof and ceiling reportedly collapsed due to poor maintenance.

“I am not happy to see our community school like this. The ceiling, the zinc, and the entire roof are damaged. Even if the children arrive by 7 a.m., once it starts raining, they have to return home,” a parent, Michael Monday, said.

The school’s head teacher, Alfred Katunga, warned that both pupils and teachers face danger whenever they enter the classrooms.

“It is not only the roof that is bad. The ceiling is also in a terrible condition and could fall at any time. We continue to teach while praying that none of the materials will fall and injure the children,” Katunga said.

“Whenever there is any sign of rain, the only precaution we take is to close the school. Even if the children resume by 7 a.m. and rain starts 10 minutes later, we have to send them home because we cannot risk their lives,” he added.

According to the report, several schools in rural parts of the FCT also lack toilets, perimeter fencing and adequate classrooms. Teachers and pupils reportedly resort to nearby bushes to relieve themselves.

TheCable reported that efforts to obtain comments from the spokesperson of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCTUBEB), Patience Agonsi, were unsuccessful.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have thwarted a terrorist ambush after an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded along the Damboa-Kumala road in Borno State.

According to security sources quoted by counter-insurgency publication, Zagazola Makama, the incident happened at about 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.

The report stated that soldiers, alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), were escorting 63 civilian vehicles to Kumala when the convoy encountered the explosive device on the major supply route connecting Damboa, Bulabulin and Kumala.

Makama reported that suspected terrorists attacked shortly after the explosion. The ambush reportedly occurred about two kilometres away from the blast scene.

However, troops responded with what the publication described as superior firepower. The attackers later retreated, while the convoy continued with the operation.

The report added that the explosion damaged the tyres of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. No soldier or civilian sustained injuries during the incident.

According to Makama, troops later replaced the damaged tyres at the scene and successfully completed the escort mission. The security team also ensured the safe movement of 71 civilian vehicles from Kumala back to Damboa.

Military sources told the publication that the operation reflected the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to keeping vital supply routes open despite ongoing terrorist threats in the North-East.

By Ibrahim Yunusa 

The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, officially commissioned and handed over the Leather Enterprise Centre to Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta (ABCOAD), describing the project as a major Federal Government investment in vocational education, youth empowerment, and the development of Nigeria’s leather industry. 

The centre is expected to provide practical training, promote research and innovation, and equip students with entrepreneurial skills that will create employment opportunities.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Provost of ABCOAD, Dr Hassan Ibrahim, thanked the Federal Government and the Ministry of Livestock Development for establishing the facility.

 He said the centre would strengthen practical teaching in leather technology, shoe production, and other leather products while serving as a hub for research and enterprise development. 

He also highlighted the college’s contribution to agricultural manpower, noting that most extension workers in Kano and Jigawa States are graduates of the institution, and announced the launch of a Mobile Veterinary Service for livestock farmers.

Representatives of the Kano State Government praised the project as a significant boost to technical and vocational education.

 They said the Leather Enterprise Centre would equip young people with marketable skills, encourage entrepreneurship, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth. 

They also urged the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to sustain its partnership with ABCOAD, given ABCOAD’s strategic role in developing skilled agricultural and livestock professionals.

While handing over the facility, Minister Maiha reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in institutions that promote innovation, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship. 

He said the centre would prepare students to become employers of labour rather than job seekers, adding that vocational education remains essential for job creation, economic diversification, and sustainable national development. 

The event attracted government officials, traditional rulers, academics, industry stakeholders, development partners, students, and members of the public.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has again asked President Bola Tinubu to resign over allegations of off-budget spending raised by the International Monetary Fund.

Obi made the call in a statement on Sunday while reacting to comments by the IMF’s resident representative in Nigeria, Christian Ebeke.

Ebeke had stated on Wednesday that Nigeria recorded off-budget expenditure worth about two per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. According to him, the development makes the nation’s fiscal deficit appear lower than its actual borrowing needs.

Reacting to the disclosure, Obi described the situation as alarming. He said it raises fresh concerns about corruption under the current administration.

“The IMF now reveals that about N8.83 trillion in expenditure undertaken in 2025 is not reflected in the budget. This expenditure is not budgeted and is therefore not under legislative oversight or administrative scrutiny. This is horrible,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor stated that the amount exceeds 35 per cent of the N23.96 trillion capital expenditure budget for 2025. He also noted that it is higher than the actual capital releases made during the year.

“It is more than the entire combined budget for education (N3.52 trillion) and health (N2.38 trillion),” Obi stated.

“If such an amount is properly used and accounted for, it could transform Nigeria’s public health and education sectors. It could create hundreds of cottage industries that can provide jobs for thousands of graduates and build a solid foundation for economic development. But we cannot account for it. This is not an isolated incident. This is a pattern of grand corruption that has become part of this administration.

“We have a lot to worry about regarding the state of corruption under President Tinubu. The sort of corruption that is ingrained in total disregard of elementary rules of public finance management poses a grave danger to national security and the stability of the Nigerian state.

“The capture of the Nigerian state and the plunder of its resources are actions that undermine the basis of state stability and deepen poverty and state failure.”

Obi also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of failing to manage public resources responsibly despite growing economic hardship across the country.

“With the growing poverty and the urgent need for significant upgrades to social and physical infrastructure, a responsible and responsive government would ensure that N8.83 trillion is prudently utilised to address these gaps. But not the Tinubu administration,” he said.

The former governor maintained that recent allegations of corruption and insecurity were enough reasons for the president to step down from office.

“A few days ago, I called on President Tinubu to resign from office for incompetence, lack of capacity, lack of compassion, and failure to improve on his campaign promises. Some people thought perhaps the call was excessive,” he said.

“But with the daily revelations of pervasive corruption in this administration and its total lack of commitment to the welfare and security of Nigerian citizens, the only reasonable action is for President Tinubu to resign from office.

“The collapse of elementary forms of due process under Tinubu and the increased evidence of rampant looting of Nigerian public finances reinforce the need for greater accountability. It is now time for Nigerian citizens to rise within the law and hold this administration to account.”

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar had earlier called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate the allegation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Some victims of the devastating flood that struck Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over the alleged diversion of relief materials and funds meant for affected residents.

The petition, dated June 26, 2026, was submitted through I.U. Wali Law Firm on behalf of Isah Abubakar, Hussaini Umar Kwangila, Bilyaminu Umar and other residents of Mokwa LGA.

The flood disaster occurred on May 29, 2025. The incident displaced more than 3,000 residents and claimed about 200 lives.

Following the tragedy, Vice-President Kashim Shettima announced a donation of N2 billion and 20 trucks of grains from the Federal Government to support affected communities. Several organisations and individuals also donated cash and relief materials.

However, the petitioners alleged that the donations did not reach many of the intended beneficiaries.

In the petition addressed to the anti-graft agencies, the residents claimed that officials responsible for handling and distributing the donations mismanaged the support meant for victims.

They further alleged that more than one year after the flood, the donated items and funds had not been “utilised effectively to the benefit of victims”.

The petition accused the Niger State Emergency Management Agency of including names of its staff members among beneficiaries of the cash support.

“Some of the victims were shortchanged as opposed to what they should receive, and some of the victims did not receive anything at all,” the petition reads.

“In fact, some persons who benefited from the relief items were not victims of the flood incident, while some are not residents or natives of Mokwa town. In summary, the donations have been marred by corrupt practices.

“The Niger State Emergency Management Agency compiled a list of flood victims for the distribution of money into their bank accounts.

“The list, which emanated from NSEMA, which is available in the public domain, contains the names of persons that were not affected or victims of the Mokwa flood.

“So, in essence, some people that aren’t affected by the Mokwa flood were listed among those to be compensated, while some victims were not included.”

The petitioners called on the EFCC and ICPC to investigate officials of NSEMA, Mokwa Local Government Area, members of the local organising committee and other persons involved in managing the donations.

They also urged the anti-corruption agencies to examine the list of beneficiaries, identify irregularities and recover any diverted funds or relief materials.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A member of the United States Congress, Riley Moore, has said the administration of President Donald Trump will closely observe Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Moore, a Republican lawmaker from West Virginia, stated this during an interview with NoireTV, which was later shared on the platform’s social media pages on Sunday.

Speaking on the credibility of Nigeria’s next elections, the congressman said Washington would pay serious attention to how the exercise is conducted.

“What I’d say is that we’re certainly going to be watching these results and how these elections unfold and how they’re executed. And that’s something that myself and the administration are going to be paying very close attention to,” he said.

The lawmaker also revealed that the US House of Representatives was working on an appropriations bill that contains provisions concerning Nigeria. He said the proposed legislation focuses on issues surrounding religious freedom and American security assistance.

“We’re working on Chris (Smith)’s bill, which obviously I’m a co-sponsor of that bill. But I’d say, more importantly, what people need to pay attention to is the appropriations bill that we’re going to have on the floor today,” Moore stated.

According to him, the bill includes strong measures that could shape future relations between both countries.

“There’s a lot of language that I put on that bill that’s inside of it that relates to Nigeria and the persecution of Christians and restrictions on security assistance to the government of Nigeria, and steps that they have to take.

“That bill’s likely to become law. We’re about to, hopefully, pass that here today. And so there’s some pretty strong and aggressive language in that bill that’s going to be binding as it relates to our relationship to Nigeria moving forward,” he added.

Moore further disclosed that he would continue discussions with the Trump administration on matters relating to Nigeria. He also said he was expected to meet the US president.

“I continue to work with the administration on next steps that we’re going to take. I’m actually going to see President Trump tonight. I’ll be having dinner with him and some other members, so yeah, I continue to talk to him about these issues, and it’s very important to him,” he said.

Moore is also a co-sponsor of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026. The bill was introduced in February alongside Congressman Chris Smith.

The proposed legislation seeks to compel the US Secretary of State to provide regular reports to Congress on efforts aimed at addressing religious persecution and mass killings in Nigeria.

The bill also proposes reviews of Nigeria’s compliance with international religious freedom obligations. It covers US security support, sanctions, humanitarian assistance, and steps taken by the Nigerian government to protect vulnerable communities and prosecute attackers.

In April 2026, the US House Appropriations Committee approved provisions in its annual State Department funding bill that introduced stricter conditions for financial support to Nigeria.

The proposal, which has been forwarded to Congress, states that half of the funds allocated to Nigeria under foreign assistance programmes would remain withheld until the Nigerian government is certified to be taking “effective steps” to tackle religious violence.

The bill also demands support for investigations and prosecution of violence linked to Fulani militia groups. It further requires measures that would ensure the safe return of displaced persons.