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Month: September 2025

SWAN Condemns NFF Exclusion, Orders Nationwide Boycott of Federation’s AGA, Other Activities

Fola Badmus04 mins

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has directed all its members across the country to withdraw from covering or participating in any activity of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), including the forthcoming Annual General Assembly (AGA) scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State. In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, jointly signed by the SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin and the Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the Association expressed outrage over the deliberate and persistent exclusion of SWAN from the statutory composition of the NFF Congress. SWAN described the action of the NFF leadership as “unacceptable, retrogressive, and an affront to the role of the sporting media in national football development.” SWAN also wondered why the Federation’s leadership has continued playing the ostrich in crucial matters that would ensure seamless development of football in Nigeria. “The media is a critical tripod in the growth of sports globally. SWAN, as the professional body coordinating sports media in Nigeria, has consistently engaged the NFF leadership on the need to restore our rightful place within its Congress. Unfortunately, while claiming to expand its Congress, the Federation has chosen to sideline us, a move that is both short-sighted and detrimental to Nigerian football,” The statement said. SWAN recalled that despite the Association’s consistent efforts to foster cooperation with the NFF since the emergence of the present leadership, the Federation has remained obstinate, employing divisive and destructive approaches in the management of Nigerian football. SWAN noted that Nigeria’s football fortunes continue to nosedive despite the enormous financial and institutional support the NFF receives from the Federal Government, state governments, and corporate sponsors. “The continued decline of Nigerian football is a direct result of maladministration. It is time to put a decisive end to this dangerous trend. Nigeria cannot afford to watch its most cherished sport deteriorate under avoidable circumstances,” the statement said. The Association also made it clear that all SWAN members nationwide are henceforth instructed to refrain from covering or publicising any NFF activity, including the Ibadan AGA. “A task force will be set up to ensure strict enforcement of this directive, while the Association simultaneously begins a thorough investigation and public exposure of the maladministration and backward practices that have become synonymous with the Federation’s operations which cost the country’s back-to-back World Cup qualification failures,” the statement said. SWAN reiterated that the exclusion of the sporting media from the highest decision-making body of Nigerian football is unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated. “The Association stands resolute in defending its role as a critical stakeholder in the nation’s football ecosystem,” the statement added.

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Tinubu Awards Posthumous Honours to Ogoni Four

Fola Badmus08 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to immediately engage the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Ogoni people, and other relevant stakeholders with a view to finalising the modalities for the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland. President Tinubu issued the directive on Wednesday, following the presentation of the report by the Presidential Committee on the Ogoni Consultations, chaired by Professor Don Baridam, at the State House in Abuja. Governor Siminalayi of Rivers State led the Ogoni delegation to the ceremony. The President also used the occasion to confer the posthumous national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on four members of Ogoniland who died in the struggle to ensure environmental protection of their land. They are: Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Albert Bade, Chief Samuel Orage, and Chief Theophilus Orage. In June, President Tinubu conferred national honours on Ken Saro Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists, brutally killed by the Sani Abacha military regime. While commending the Baridam committee for the dedication and wisdom its members demonstrated in guiding the process, the President urged the Ogoni people to close ranks and engage in dialogue, as the government will do its best to safeguard their environment. “We are not, as a government, taking lightly the years of pain endured in Ogoniland. We recognise that, otherwise, we would not be here today. The Federal Government truly acknowledges the long suffering of the Ogoni people, and today, we declare with conviction that hope is here and is back with us,” the President said. President Tinubu also acknowledged the struggles and sacrifices made by the Ogoni people in their quest for justice and environmental protection. He directed the Minister of Environment and the NSA to integrate programmes into a broader dialogue and implementation process. “ Accordingly, I am directing the National Security Adviser to commence immediately the engagement between the Ogoni people and NNPCL and all relevant stakeholders with a view to finalising modalities to begin operations. We must start by addressing non-valuable assets, which are of no benefit to the community, the country, or its people. The President assured stakeholders of the government’s determination to deploy the necessary resources to address the concerns of the Ogoni people and achieve shared prosperity. “I urge Ogoni people across the communities and generations to close ranks, put this dark chapter behind us, and move forward as a united community. We have settled. This reconciliation is not an erasure of history but the commitment to write the next chapter together. I am encouraged by the overwhelming consensus of the Ogoni communities to welcome the resumption of oil production under an equitable tax system. President Tinubu added that the federal Government will deploy necessary resources to support the Ogoni people in their march towards shared prosperity. Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated that the confidence-building measures implemented by the President had already led to an improvement in the work done on the East-West Road, among other projects, adding that the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology was also a positive step in the right direction. The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, stated that President Tinubu, at the beginning of the process, approved some early confidence-building steps to be undertaken for the establishment of needed trust, affirming that these steps resulted in stakeholders putting aside their differences to bring about a collective report. These included the constitution of the University of Environment and Technology governing Council and making significant progress on the East-West Road, among others. “All through the process, tensions and divisions were carefully mediated, and a spirit of dialogue prevailed over confrontation, leading to a constructive and all-inclusive consultation process. This report, being formally presented to your excellency today, is the outcome of that intensive, methodical and transparent engagement. “While not forgetting past injustices, all parties have reached a point of collective readiness to see the responsible resumption of oil production in Ogoniland anchored on fairness, equity, environmental responsibility and direct community benefit. “Also, there has been a call in unison to reposition the hydrocarbon pollution remediation project, HYPREP, given the convergence of environmental remediation and renewed operations, in a manner that synchronises with the dialogue process.” He added that the Ogoni people also needed structured participation in activities through equity development funds, employment, and institutional sectors. The Chairman of the Committee, Professor Don Baridam, thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Ogoni people. “Your decision to create this committee under the leadership of the National Security Adviser has proven foresight and right. His steady hand via diplomacy and relentless insistence on dialogue has earned the trust of other communities and restored hope that had long been thwarted.” He expressed the committee’s gratitude to the President for the posthumous national award bestowed last June on Ken Saro-Wiwa and the eight other members of the Ogoni-nine. He described the gesture as an acknowledgement of their immense sacrifices in the struggle for environmental justice and human rights in the Niger Delta.

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Ukraine Is Only First: Zelenskyy Warns of Putin’s Expansionist Agenda at UNGA

Ukraine Is Only First: Zelenskyy Warns of Putin’s Expansionist Agenda at UNGA

Fola Badmus04 mins

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning to the international community, declaring that Russia’s war in Ukraine is only the beginning of a broader plan by President Vladimir Putin to expand military aggression across Europe. Speaking during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday, Zelenskyy described the current moment as part of “the most destructive arms race in history,” urging world leaders to act decisively before the conflict spreads further. “Ukraine is only the first, and now Russian drones are already flying across Europe. Russian operations are already spreading across countries, and Putin wants to continue this war by expanding it,” Zelenskyy said from the UN headquarters in New York. Testing NATO and Undermining Europe Zelenskyy’s comments come amid growing concerns about Russian incursions into European Union and NATO airspace, testing the alliance’s eastern flank. Although Moscow has denied these allegations, European leaders have expressed alarm over the increasing scope of Russia’s military and cyber operations. The Ukrainian president also referenced an alleged Russian plot to destabilize Moldova, accusing the Kremlin of threatening the small nation’s sovereignty by supporting unrest and maintaining troops in the breakaway region of Transnistria. “Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova too,” Zelenskyy warned. “Supporting Moldova’s stability is not costly—but ignoring the threat will be.” Meeting with Trump, Plea for Weapons Over Words Zelenskyy’s UNGA appearance followed a high-profile meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday. The U.S. leader, who previously urged Ukraine to consider territorial concessions, appeared to take a firmer stance in support of Kyiv. “Yesterday, we had a good meeting. President Trump and I also spoke with many other strong leaders, and together, we can change a lot. I appreciate the support we are receiving,” Zelenskyy said. In a sobering moment during his speech, Zelenskyy stressed that weapons—not diplomacy—will determine the outcome of the war. “If a nation wants peace, it still has to work on weapons. It’s sick, but that’s the reality. Not international law, not cooperation—weapons decide who survives,” he said. AI and Global Security at Risk Turning his focus to emerging technologies, Zelenskyy called for urgent global regulation of artificial intelligence in warfare, comparing its risks to nuclear proliferation. “We need global rules now for how AI can be used in weapons. This is just as urgent as preventing the spread of nuclear weapons,” he said. “Without real security guarantees and international cooperation, there will be no place left on Earth that’s still safe.”

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Nigeria Submits Official Bid to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games

Fola Badmus02 mins

Nigeria has formally submitted its final bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with a high-level delegation presenting the proposal at the Commonwealth Games Federation headquarters in London on Wednesday. The move comes as part of a strategic push by the Nigerian government to bring the Games to African soil for the first time in the event’s 100-year history. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the bid in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. “To the Commonwealth family, it is time for Africa,” the President wrote. “After 100 years of the Commonwealth Games, they have never been hosted on African soil.” President Tinubu emphasized the symbolic importance of Africa hosting the Centenary Games, describing Nigeria as a “gateway” to the continent and a fitting location to celebrate the legacy and future of the Commonwealth. “By bringing the Commonwealth Centenary Games to Nigeria in 2030, you will send a powerful message that every region of the Commonwealth matters, and that Africa is not only part of the story, but central to its future,” he said. “Let us make history together in 2030. Let us complete the circle of Commonwealth unity. The dream must be realised. The time is now.” If successful, Nigeria would become the first African nation to host the Commonwealth Games, marking a major milestone for both the country and the wider continent.

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Trump Urges Immediate End to Gaza War, Rejects Palestinian Statehood Recognition

Trump Urges Immediate End to Gaza War Rejects Palestinian Statehood Recognition

Fola Badmus08 mins

U.S. President Donald Trump has called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, while dismissing the recognition of a Palestinian state by several Western nations as a “reward” for Hamas. “We have to stop the war in Gaza immediately,” Trump told world leaders on Tuesday. “We have to negotiate peace. We have to get the hostages back. We want all 20 back.” Trump referred to the 20 captives still believed to be alive among the 48 held by Hamas and said those in support of peace should be united in demanding their release. However, he sharply criticized recent efforts by countries to unilaterally recognize Palestinian statehood, claiming such moves would embolden Hamas. “As if to encourage continued conflict, some in this body are seeking to unilaterally recognise the Palestinian state. The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists, for their atrocities,” he said. The remarks stand in contrast to comments made earlier this week by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who stated that Palestinian statehood is “a right, not a reward.” Trump placed responsibility for the failure of ceasefire negotiations squarely on Hamas, stating that the group has “repeatedly rejected reasonable offers to make peace.” He offered minimal criticism of Israeli actions, despite mounting international outrage over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which began in October 2023. Human rights organizations and UN investigators have raised alarms over civilian casualties and humanitarian conditions in the besieged enclave. Trump’s remarks follow reports of an Israeli ground assault on Gaza City this month, displacing thousands and resulting in hundreds of Palestinian deaths. Israel has also been accused of deliberately stalling ceasefire negotiations. In a statement Tuesday, Hamas denied being an obstacle to peace: “We have never been an obstacle to reaching an agreement. The U.S. administration, the mediators, and the world know that [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu is the sole obstructionist in all attempts to reach an agreement.” Hamas reiterated its readiness for a truce that includes the release of captives, an exchange of prisoners, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza — conditions Netanyahu has refused to accept. More than 65,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the conflict escalated in 2023, according to local health authorities. International condemnation has grown over the U.S.’s continued military support for Israel during the war. Trump also used his UN address to issue strong warnings toward Iran, calling it the “world’s number one sponsor of terror” and vowing that Tehran would never obtain nuclear weapons. “Three months ago in Operation Midnight Hammer, seven American B-2 bombers dropped 30,000-pound bombs on Iran’s key nuclear facilities, totally obliterating everything,” he said. While Trump claimed the operation “demolished” Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity, U.S. defense officials have said the strikes only delayed Iran’s program by several months. Trump’s address included repeated references to his past foreign policy record, claiming he ended “seven different wars” and suggesting he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts — though he added he “didn’t care about awards.” He also took aim at the United Nations, accusing it of failing its core mission and enabling illegal immigration: “I had to end wars instead of the United Nations,” he said.“The UN is funding an assault on Western countries and their borders,” he added, alleging the organization is helping undocumented migrants enter the U.S. with food, shelter, and debit cards. Migration and climate change were recurring targets in the speech. Trump described immigration as an “invasion” and called climate policy “the greatest con job,” claiming renewable energy is “destroying” the West. “Some countries are going to hell over their border policies,” he said in closing remarks. Trump also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, arguing the conflict would have been avoided under his leadership. “Everyone thought Russia would win in three days, but it didn’t,” he said, describing his relationship with President Vladimir Putin as “a good one,” while admitting the invasion was “not making Russia look good.” He criticized European countries for continuing to buy Russian oil and gas despite sanctions and called on EU nations to impose tariffs on Moscow. Trump also blamed China and India for “funding” Russia’s war effort. Following his General Assembly address, Trump was scheduled to meet with UN Secretary-General Guterres and leaders from Ukraine, the European Union, Argentina, and a coalition of Middle Eastern and Asian nations. A reception with over 100 world leaders is expected before his return to Washington, D.C.

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Khamenei Rules Out Talks with US Over Iran’s Nuclear Programme

Khamenei Rules Out Talks with US Over Iran’s Nuclear Programme

Fola Badmus07 mins

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ruled out any direct negotiations with the United States over the country’s nuclear programme, calling such talks a “sheer dead end” and accusing Washington of attempting to dictate terms rather than engage in genuine diplomacy. Khamenei’s remarks, broadcast on Iranian state television, came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with diplomats from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom — known as the E3 — along with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The talks, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, focused on the looming reimposition of sanctions, expected to take effect within days. “The US has announced the result of the talks in advance,” Khamenei said. “The result is the closure of nuclear activities and enrichment. This is not a negotiation. It is a diktat, an imposition.” His comments followed US President Donald Trump’s speech at the UNGA, in which he vowed that Iran would “never possess a nuclear weapon” and labeled the Islamic Republic the “world’s number one sponsor of terror.” Trump has continued to push a hardline stance, despite mounting tensions in the region and global calls for diplomacy. The diplomatic impasse comes in the wake of a failed UN Security Council resolution that would have extended sanctions relief for Iran. The E3 accuse Tehran of stockpiling enriched uranium well beyond limits set by the 2015 nuclear agreement — the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — which Trump unilaterally withdrew from in 2018 during his first term. That agreement, signed between Iran and six world powers, aimed to lift economic sanctions in exchange for strict limits on Tehran’s nuclear activities. However, Trump reimposed sanctions under his “maximum pressure” campaign, a strategy that President Joe Biden continued despite initially opposing it. European nations have signaled willingness to delay the return of sanctions — if Iran resumes direct talks with the US, allows full access to its nuclear sites by UN inspectors, and provides a clear account of the more than 400kg of highly enriched uranium the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says it is holding. But progress has been limited. According to Al Jazeera’s James Bays, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the Tuesday meeting “didn’t go particularly well.” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas added, “Diplomacy has a chance. The deadlines are running, and let’s see. We need to see some real action also on the Iranian side.” Iran maintains that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons and insists on its right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Khamenei reiterated this in his speech, affirming that Tehran would not yield to international coercion. Tensions escalated dramatically in June after Israel, with support from the US, launched a 12-day military operation against Iran, targeting several nuclear sites. The strikes followed a ruling by the IAEA’s board that Iran was failing to comply with international nuclear safeguards. Iran responded by accusing Israel and the US of violating international law and ramping up regional instability. Last week, the UNSC voted against permanently lifting economic sanctions on Iran, a decision Tehran slammed as “politically biased.” That vote followed a 30-day ultimatum issued in August by the E3, warning of renewed sanctions unless Tehran met its nuclear obligations. Iran has threatened to suspend cooperation with the IAEA if sanctions are reinstated. On Monday, several hardline Iranian lawmakers called for the country to start developing a nuclear bomb, citing fears that sanctions could reignite conflict with Israel. If no agreement is reached by Saturday evening, the so-called “snapback” mechanism will automatically trigger the return of wide-ranging international sanctions, freezing Iranian assets abroad, halting arms sales, and targeting Iran’s ballistic missile programme. Still, there may be a narrow path forward. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi told reporters on Tuesday that a team of inspectors is en route to Iran, prepared to resume monitoring activities if a last-minute deal is struck. “Everything is possible. Where there is a will, there is a way,” Grossi said. “We have our inspectors, and inspectors are on the way, and there is the possibility to start on this work, depending on the political will of Iran.”

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Qatar’s Emir Accuses Israel of Undermining Gaza Truce Talks at UN

Qatar’s Emir Accuses Israel of Undermining Gaza Truce Talks at UN

Fola Badmus06 mins

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has sharply condemned Israel for a “treacherous attack” on Hamas leaders in Doha, accusing it of derailing ceasefire efforts and violating international norms during his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. The emir warned that the September 9 attack “undermines any diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the genocide against the people in Gaza” and said it demonstrated that Israel has become a “rogue” state. The strike, which targeted Hamas officials in Qatar’s capital while they were meeting to discuss a ceasefire proposal brokered by the United States, was described by Doha as “state terrorism.” Although top Hamas leaders survived, six people were killed in what was seen as an unprecedented escalation. The attack took place in a residential neighborhood near diplomatic missions and schools. Qatar, a key mediator in the Gaza negotiations, said the bombing amounted to a political assassination. The emir said, “It is difficult to cooperate with such a mentality that does not respect the most minimum standards of cooperation,” adding that Israel simultaneously “negotiates with delegations” while plotting to assassinate members of negotiation teams. He accused Israel of attempting to render Gaza unlivable, “where no one can study or receive treatment.” Labeling Israel as a state “engaged in genocide,” Sheikh Tamim criticized it for branding all critics as either antisemitic or terrorists, a tactic he said “even Israel’s allies realise … and reject.” Drawing parallels to past global struggles, the emir likened the growing solidarity with Palestinians to the global movement against apartheid in the 20th century. His remarks came amid growing international backlash over the war in Gaza, where more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began in October 2023. Speaking earlier on the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump called for the war to stop “immediately,” while Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said silence in the face of the war amounted to complicity in “barbarity.” Jordan’s King Abdullah II described the Gaza war as “one of the darkest moments in this institution’s history,” urging world leaders to move beyond repeated condemnations and toward concrete action. “How long will we be satisfied with condemnation after condemnation without concrete action?” he asked. France and Saudi Arabia jointly convened dozens of leaders earlier this week to revive talks on a two-state solution, while several European nations—including France, Belgium, Malta, and Luxembourg—formally recognized Palestinian statehood. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also spoke, defending international human rights standards and referencing a landmark UN Human Rights Council report that found Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide. The U.S. and Israel have both rejected the report. Guterres stated, “We must choose human dignity and human rights. Human rights are not an ornament of peace, they are its bedrock.” He emphasized that respecting rights must go beyond rhetoric, calling for “justice over silence.” Sheikh Tamim concluded his speech by tying the September 9 attack to broader violations of the international order, warning that tolerating such behavior would erode global norms. “These rules are based on the maintenance of international peace and security and the respect for human dignity and state sovereignty,” he said. “If we allow violations to continue, it means allowing the rule of the jungle, where perpetrators and violators enjoy benefits just because they can.”

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Disney Reinstates Jimmy Kimmel Following Suspension Over Controversial Comments

Disney Reinstates Jimmy Kimmel Following Suspension Over Controversial Comments

Fola Badmus07 mins

After a week-long suspension that sparked a nationwide debate over government interference and free speech, ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to air on Tuesday night. The decision follows days of backlash against Disney and allegations that the show’s suspension was politically motivated. Kimmel’s show had been abruptly pulled from the schedule after several local ABC affiliates preempted it in protest, following comments made by Kimmel that were widely interpreted as critical of the Trump administration. ABC then suspended the program altogether—a move that ignited fierce criticism from media watchdogs, Hollywood figures, and civil rights groups. In a statement on Monday afternoon, Disney explained its initial decision and the rationale for reinstating the late-night host.“Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country,” Disney said. “It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.” A source familiar with Kimmel’s plans told CNN that he will address the controversy in his Tuesday night monologue. Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs weekdays at 11:35 p.m. ET. Media analysts have been closely watching Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden as they navigate political and commercial pressures. ABC’s station affiliates, as well as ongoing deals like ESPN’s pending pact with the NFL, require government approvals that some see as vulnerable to political influence. Complicating matters, Kimmel’s contract expires in May, and the late-night TV space has seen consistent declines in viewership and advertising revenue. Kimmel’s suspension stunned the entertainment industry, where the longtime host is seen as a respected and influential figure. The show employs between 200 and 250 people, and its sudden pause led to protests at Disney’s offices in New York and Burbank, California, as well as outside the Hollywood theater where the show is filmed. Public support for Kimmel swelled in the days following the suspension. Over 400 prominent artists, including Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Jennifer Aniston, signed an open letter organized by the ACLU demanding his reinstatement. Following ABC’s reversal, ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero said the company “made the right call” by allowing Kimmel to return. “It should never have suspended him to begin with and resisted the government’s desire to control what people say,” Romero said. “Hopefully, other media outlets will also find their spines and resist the Trump administration’s efforts to cudgel them into obeisance.” Democratic lawmakers also praised the move.“Thank you to everyone but @BrendanCarrFCC,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X. “This is a win for free speech everywhere.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed the sentiment, writing, “This is big: Jimmy Kimmel is coming back! This is about fighting for free speech and against these abuses by Donald Trump and Brendan Carr.” Carr, a Republican FCC commissioner, has faced criticism for what many see as political pressure on media outlets. He did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment. However, his FCC colleague, Commissioner Anna M. Gomez—the commission’s lone Democrat—voiced strong support for Kimmel’s return. “I am glad to see Disney find its courage in the face of clear government intimidation,” Gomez said in a statement. “More importantly, I want to thank those Americans from across the ideological spectrum who spoke loudly and courageously against this blatant attempt to silence free speech.” “It will continue to be up to us as citizens to push back against this administration’s growing campaign of censorship and control,” she added. PEN America, one of several free expression organizations that condemned Disney’s initial decision, called Kimmel’s reinstatement “a vindication for free speech.”“This is about remedying his unjustifiable suspension, and reminding us that when people speak out to hold the powerful to account—it matters,” said Summer Lopez, interim co-CEO of PEN America. “We must all channel the same energy to fight the many assaults on free speech underway, including against those with less reach and resources.”

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