By Son Tertsea

The trio of CNN, MS NOW and Politico have gained a court nod allowing them back into the White House on Thursday, six days after being banned by President Donald Trump. adsbygoogle || []).push({});

The federal judge’s order stressed that the journalists should have their access restored.

District Judge Timothy Kelly gave the ruling overnight that revoking the three outlets’ White House press credentials “likely violated their constitutional due process rights.”

Reporters for CNN, MS NOW and Politico who attempted to return to the White House early Thursday ahead of a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping were initially turned away by the Secret Service but were allowed in later around midday.

Journalists from other outlets surrounded CNN’s tent on the White House driveway and filmed reporter Betsy Klein as she reported live following her return. “Welcome back,” several journalists said.

CNN, MS NOW and Politico had requested an urgent court hearing on Thursday after their reporters were initially barred from the White House despite the judge’s order.

In his ruling, Kelly took issue with how the White House went about expelling the three news organisations.

“The ‘general rule’ is that ‘individuals must receive notice and an opportunity to be heard before the Government deprives them’ of a constitutionally protected interest,” the judge said.

Trump has long attacked media that have aired critical coverage of him, repeatedly blasting the press as the “enemy of the people.”

They filed a joint lawsuit asking for a temporary restraining order against the ban on the grounds that it violates the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which upholds the right to a free press.

Ahead of the ruling, the Department of Justice had argued that Trump can “control reporters’ access to restricted presidential areas, such as the Oval Office.”

“Access to the White House is a privilege — not a right,” it said.

– National security? –

The White House Press Office accused CNN in a letter to the cable news outlet of “trafficking in verifiable falsehoods about national security and other issues, and publishing sensitive or classified information,” with similar accusations levelled against MS NOW and Politico.

The letter to CNN cited several stories about the US-Iran war and a story on Trump’s plans to build a military bunker below the planned East Wing ballroom which allegedly “disclosed ‘top-secret’ construction details.”

Kelly, who was appointed by Trump during his first term, appeared unconvinced.

“The Court is skeptical — at least on this record — that Defendants’ interest in safeguarding national security is the actual motivation for, or is even advanced by, the revocation of Plaintiffs’ hard passes,” the judge said.

In a rare move, the top five US broadcasters said that they were halting pool coverage of the White House — where a broadcaster films on behalf of all television outlets for the day — in solidarity with CNN.

“The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government. No administration should restrict a news organisation because it objects to its reporting,” ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox and NBC said.

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

A Nigeria-born UK Lecturer, Dr. Kennedy O. Obohwemu, has won the prestigious Most Inspirational Lecturer Award at the Global Banking School (GBS) Regional Awards in Birmingham, UK.

GBS is a multi-award-winning higher education provider, operates several campuses across the UK and collaborates with multiple UK universities to offer vocational, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs.

In a dazzling award ceremony held in Birmingham on June 26, Dr. Obohwemu, a multiple award-winning international author, triumphed over a competitive field of nominees from numerous academic institutions within the region.

The award ceremony celebrated the outstanding contributions of lecturers who inspire and impact students across these diverse institutions.

This prestigious accolade recognizes exceptional teaching talent across university campuses in all regions of the West Midlands

The nominations came from all partnerships of GBS, including esteemed institutions such as Oxford Brookes University (OBU), Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), Suffolk University, Leeds Trinity University (LTU), Bath Spa University (BSU), and Pearson, among others.

Remarkably, Dr. Obohwemu, a Lecturer in Health and Social Care, joined GBS barely six months ago, making this win even more noteworthy.

His achievement demonstrates his passion and commitment to delivering high-quality teaching and inspiring others along the way.

It also highlights the profound impact he has made in a short time, earning the admiration and love of his students for his engaging teaching style and warm personality.

Dr. Obohwemu’s recognition as the Most Inspirational Lecturer underscores his dedication to educational excellence and his profound influence on the academic and personal development of his students.

His achievement highlights the remarkable quality of teaching at GBS and its partner universities, setting a benchmark for educational inspiration and leadership in the region.

In his remarks, Prof. Ray Lloyd, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GBS, said the award was not just the celebration of remarkable achievements of the educators, but also the profound impact they have on students and the broader academic community.

“Our award winners have shown extraordinary dedication, passion, and innovative teaching methods.

“Dr. Obohwemu, winner of the Most Inspirational Lecturer Award, has already made an indelible mark on our institution.

“His ability to connect with students and inspire them to reach their full potential is truly exceptional.

“We are incredibly proud to have him as part of the GBS family and look forward to seeing his continued positive influence on our academic community,” Lloyd said.

Reacting to the award, Obohwemu, said he was deeply honored and humbled to receive the Most Inspirational Lecturer Award.

Dr Obohwemu, who is also the Founder/CEO of PENKUP International, said the recognition was a testament to the incredible support he received from colleagues and the unwavering enthusiasm of his students.

He added: “Joining GBS just six months ago, I have been inspired by the commitment to excellence and the vibrant learning environment here.

“This award reinforces my belief in the transformative power of education and motivates me to continue striving for excellence in teaching.

“I dedicate this award to all my students whose curiosity and passion for learning drive me every day”.

The European Union (EU) says it has suspended its financial support and cooperation on security with Niger with immediate effect following the military coup in the country.

This was disclosed in a statement by the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

The coup leaders declared General Abdourahamane Tiani as head of state on Friday, ousting President Mohamed Bazoum.

The EU, the United States, and other countries have called for the unconditional release of Bazoum from detention and the restoration of democratic order in the country.

“In addition to the immediate cessation of budget support, all cooperation actions in the domain of security are suspended indefinitely with immediate effect,” Borrell said.

Niger is a major recipient of Western aid and a key partner of the European Union in helping contain irregular migration from sub-Saharan Africa.

The EU also has a small number of troops in Niger for a military training mission.

According to its website, the European bloc has allocated 503 million euros ($554 million) from its budget in the areas of governance, education and sustainable growth in Niger between 2021and 2024.