Network Times

By Daniel Ojukwu

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday arrived at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, at 12:04 p.m. to open the 2025 All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC), drawing the attention of more than 400 editors who had been waiting since morning.

The event, which was expected to start much earlier, turned into a long, chilly wait as the hall’s freezing air-conditioning and delays kept guests pacing around and catching up with old colleagues.

The organisers had listed 09:45 a.m. as the President’s arrival time, but many guests were not surprised when the programme drifted.

This year’s ANEC was historic because, for the first time, a sitting president attended as host and special guest. The conference was co-chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and Nduka Obaigbena, with media veterans like Olusegun Osoba and Onyema Ugochukwu in attendance. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma delivered the keynote speech.

When Tinubu finally took the stage around 01:22 p.m., he opened with praise for the role journalism has played in Nigeria’s history — from fighting colonial rule to resisting military abuses. He thanked newsroom pioneers by name, then urged editors to protect the integrity of information in an age of speed and misinformation. While encouraging criticism of government, he asked that it be done “with knowledge and fairness.”

He defended his economic reforms — subsidy removal, exchange-rate changes, and moves against rent-seeking — saying they were essential for long-term stability. “The tunnel of darkness and the headwind of the economy is getting better,” he said

At one point, he criticised some media organisations for what he called premature or misleading narratives during elections. On the Anambra poll, he said some channels pushed “vote-buying” claims before results were confirmed. “Who is selling?” he asked.

Earlier in the event, NGE President Eze Anaba presented a five-point rescue plan for the struggling media industry. His proposals included tax reliefs, VAT exemptions, tax credits to encourage advertising, low-interest loans from BOI and DBN, and a development fund to support digital transition. He also called for a review of laws that restrict press freedom.

Tinubu responded by saying he supported the ideas. “I, as your President, endorse these proposals… your request is in my pocket,” he said. Many in the hall took this as a partial promise — hopeful but not yet concrete.

The President also addressed claims made about religious persecution in Nigeria. Quoting the allegation, he pushed back strongly, saying the picture painted was false. According to him, Nigeria remains committed to religious freedom. “The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality… Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity,” he stated.

His comments came amid ongoing national concerns about attacks on Christian communities by violent groups. The issue has triggered debates about security, accountability, and the government’s response to religiously motivated violence.

By Akeem Oduyoye

The Super Eagles’ journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a painful end on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco, after DR Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties to reach the intercontinental playoff.

The match, played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, ended 1–1 after extra time before DR Congo won the shootout 4–3, dashing Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the global tournament.

The defeat means Nigeria will miss the World Cup for the second straight time, while DR Congo now move forward with a chance to secure one of the final tickets to the expanded 48-team competition. The tightly contested game saw both sides fight for every opportunity, but the Congolese team proved more clinical when it mattered most.

Nigeria started brightly, taking the lead in the third minute through Frank Onyeka. However, DR Congo hit back in the 32nd minute when M. Elia finished off a quick move to level the score. Both teams created moments of danger as the game stretched into extra time, with Tolu Arokodare heading wide for Nigeria and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali stopping a threatening free kick from the Congolese side.

The shootout brought even more tension. Although Nwabali saved DR Congo’s first attempt, Nigeria could not maintain the advantage. Caleb Bassey and Moses Simon failed to convert their kicks, while Akor Adams kept the team alive briefly. DR Congo eventually scored their fourth penalty, sealing the result and leaving Nigeria behind at 4–3.

Before reaching the final, Nigeria had produced a strong 4–1 comeback win over Gabon in extra time during Thursday’s semi-final. DR Congo also earned their spot with a narrow 1–0 win over Cameroon the same day. Both sides arrived in Rabat with high confidence, but only one could move on.

The Leopards will now await their playoff opponent as they continue their push to return to the World Cup. For Nigeria, the loss ends a campaign filled with hope but concluded in disappointment, as the Super Eagles once again fall short of the world stage.

By Wellington Jopelo

When someone receives a respected chieftaincy title in his hometown, it shows that the person is truly valued and loved by his people. It also means the person has made a strong and positive impact on the community.

Today, Chief Alhaji Isiak Ajani Adekolu Adekunle received the honour of being installed as the Osi Asiwaju of Egbaland.

The ceremony was carried out by the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Oludotun Gbadebo, inside the famous Alake Palace in Abeokuta.

The event was colourful and filled with excitement as friends, family members, and important guests gathered to witness the special day. The governor of Ogun State was represented by his officials as well as officials from Lagos state and other parts of the country at the palace, showing the importance of the occasion.

They gathered to celebrate Chief Alhaji Isiak Ajani Adekolu Adekunle and to honour his many contributions to the growth and progress of Egba land.

Chief Alhaji Isiak Ajani Adekolu Adekunle is known for his kindness, leadership, and dedication to helping people. Over the years, he has supported many community programmes and has worked hard to improve the lives of others.

Because of his strong commitment and good character, he is well respected across Egba land. People see him as someone who always stands for progress, unity, and the wellbeing of the community.

Today’s event marked a new milestone in his life. The honour of Osi Asiwaju of Egbaland is a clear sign that his efforts are seen, appreciated, and celebrated by the people he serves.

By Favour Nwankwo

The recent clash between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer in Abuja has sparked reactions, but top defence officials have said no crime was committed.

Retired Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, stressed that disrespecting uniformed personnel is against the authority of the Nigerian state.

Gen. Irabor said uniforms represent the state, not just the individual wearing them. He explained that any improper remarks or acts against military personnel are seen as an insult to the nation. “The uniform is not about who is wearing it; it represents the authority of the state,” he said, adding that all military personnel follow strict codes of conduct.

Matawalle supported this view, noting that Lieutenant A. Yerima, the naval officer involved, acted professionally and under orders. He said the officer should not face punishment as he did nothing wrong under military law. “Anyone who disrespects a soldier indirectly disrespects the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief,” Matawalle explained.

Wike also defended his actions, saying he has no personal conflict with the military. He said his work is guided strictly by law and that government officials must enforce regulations regardless of anyone’s position. “I have respect for the military and will continue to respect them,” he said, adding that the incident had been exaggerated by social media.

By Wellington Jopelo

The House of Representatives has ordered the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to pause the new Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 exams. Lawmakers said schools, especially in rural areas, are not ready, and students need more time to prepare.

The House also asked the Ministry and state governments to include funding in the 2026–2029 budgets for hiring computer teachers, building computer halls with internet, providing backup generators, and checking private schools’ readiness before introducing CBT in 2030. The resolution followed a motion by Rep. Kelechi Wogu about the risk of widespread student failure, stress, and mental health problems if CBT starts too soon.

Rep. Wogu said WAEC exams are important for students to qualify for higher education. He reminded lawmakers that the 2025 WAEC result portal temporarily failed due to technical glitches, which caused distress among students.

He explained that many schools, particularly in rural areas where over 70% of students study, lack computers and trained teachers. The House noted that CBT requires fully equipped halls, stable electricity, and internet access, which most schools do not have.

WAEC exams include nine subjects with practicals, theory, and objective tests, making a rushed switch to CBT risky. The House warned that early implementation could lead to massive failure, frustration, and social problems among students.

The motion was unanimously approved. Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital Technology, Basic Education, and Labour were directed to work with stakeholders and report back in four weeks for further action.

By Akeem Oduyoye

The Federal Government has stepped back from its plan to impose a 15% duty on imported petrol and diesel, a move originally designed to reduce fuel importation and boost local refining.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) announced the suspension in a statement shared on its X page on Thursday and signed by its Public Affairs Director, George Ene-Ita.

According to the agency, the government decided to pause the tariff after receiving firm assurances that the country currently has enough fuel to meet demand and avoid panic buying.

“There is robust domestic supply of petroleum products (AGO, PMS, LPG, etc) sourced from both local refineries and importation to ensure timely replenishment of stocks at storage depots and retail stations during this period,” the agency said.

NMDPRA also warned against actions that could trigger artificial scarcity or price manipulation. “The Authority wishes to use this opportunity to advise against any hoarding, panic buying, or non-market reflective escalation of prices of petroleum products,” the statement added.

It confirmed that the 15% fuel-import charge is no longer being implemented. “The implementation of the 15% ad-valorem import duty on imported premium motor spirit and diesel is no longer in view,” the agency stated.

Last month, a presidential directive had approved the tariff as part of broader reforms meant to increase non-oil revenue ahead of planned tax changes expected in 2026. But the move immediately drew strong pushback from fuel marketers, who said the duty would limit imports and create dependence on a single major supplier — the Dangote Refinery.

The marketers argued that the country could be exposed to supply risks if importation drops sharply. The Dangote plant, based in Lagos, currently has a production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.

Nigeria, despite being Africa’s leading oil producer, still spends large sums on importing fuel — a pattern that continued even after the refinery began operations last year. NMDPRA said it will keep watching the market closely.

“The Authority will continue to monitor supply and take necessary steps to avoid disruptions, especially during this peak demand period,” it said.

By Daniel Ojukwu

The city of Ibadan is preparing for a tense weekend as leaders and delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party arrive for the party’s national convention set for Saturday and Sunday.

The event, designed to pick new national officers, has turned controversial because of court rulings, factional battles, and strong moves by Bukola Saraki to halt the gathering.

Even with the legal drama, delegates from across the country continued arriving in Oyo State on Friday, and officials at the venue say the organisation work is nearly complete. The meeting is going ahead under pressure as different camps argue over its legality and the future direction of the party.

Earlier in the week, the PDP National Working Committee suspended three officials for alleged misconduct. That suspension came after an order from the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, which questioned whether the party followed its internal rules and temporarily stopped the convention.

Hours later, another ruling emerged from the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, allowing the party to move forward with its plans. The clashing decisions have left members confused and pushed the Independent National Electoral Commission to seek clarity before confirming its attendance.

By Thursday, activity at the Lekan Salami Stadium had intensified. Workers were setting up platforms, hanging banners, and spreading party colours across the stadium. Officials also said the event would be broadcast in multiple local languages to help Nigerians follow the proceedings.

According to party leaders, delegates from more than two-thirds of the states are already in Ibadan, meeting the constitutional requirement for a valid convention. Long traffic lines formed on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway as buses carrying delegates arrived in waves.

The South-West National Vice Chairman said all required conditions had been fulfilled and insisted that “the event will go on.” He noted that only the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja could resolve the conflicting lower-court decisions.

But a different tone came from former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who urged the party to suspend the exercise. Saraki said pushing ahead with the event “will deepen the crisis” and recommended a temporary caretaker committee instead.

He argued that no candidate would want to run under a party weighed down by fresh legal battles. According to him, the PDP must avoid a complete breakdown by allowing proper reconciliation before any national convention.

His comments were quickly dismissed by elder statesman Bode George, who blasted the caretaker idea as “arrant nonsense.” He noted that delegates were already seated in Ibadan and insisted that nothing would derail the convention.

Meanwhile, the faction loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has instructed its members nationwide to stay away. They claim the party must obey an existing restraining order from the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama, warning that attending the convention could amount to contempt of court.

They say they will follow every judicial direction and accused the organisers of ignoring key legal warnings. One youth leader allied with Wike said the gathering in Ibadan “will be nothing more than an early Christmas party, not a real convention.”

The crisis worsened when former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido challenged his exclusion from the chairmanship race before the Federal High Court sitting in Dutse. The judge issued another order stopping the party from holding the convention until the case is completed, deepening divisions across the country.

In Rivers State, the split became even sharper. One faction confirmed attendance, while the bloc aligned with Wike refused, insisting that unsettled court cases and disputed congresses made the convention politically risky and legally unsafe.

With the stadium almost ready and thousands of delegates already on ground, the PDP faces a defining moment. Whether the convention proceeds smoothly or pushes the party deeper into turmoil remains uncertain as the countdown continues.

By Akeem Oduyoye

President Bola Tinubu will join state governors, ministers, and other dignitaries in Abuja for the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference, which kicks off on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. The event, organized by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), will be held at the State House Conference Centre, Aso Villa, where the president is expected to officially inaugurate the proceedings.

The gathering will bring together more than 500 editors from across Nigeria, along with media executives, diplomats, academics, and other stakeholders. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of Arise News and ThisDay Newspaper, will chair sessions, while Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, will deliver the keynote address.

The conference, themed “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” will focus on how media professionals can support democracy, unity, and credible elections in the country. Speakers will discuss challenges facing the media, including misinformation, electoral integrity, and the impact of new technologies like artificial intelligence.

On the first day, Prof. Awa Kalu (SAN) will speak on election disputes and judicial integrity, while Prof. Sheriff Ibrahim of the University of Abuja will address the nation’s economic and political challenges. On the second day, Gen. Lucky Irabor, former Chief of Defence Staff, will discuss terrorism and national security, and Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi of Baze University will explore media credibility and AI disruption.

The conference will also feature an executive session where editors will meet government officials, political leaders, and business executives. Corporate partners supporting the event include Air Peace Airlines, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, and the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

By Daniel Ojukwu

A High Court sitting in Oyo has extended its order protecting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention from any disruptions. The convention is scheduled to take place this weekend, November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, and the court’s interim injunction will remain effective until Friday, when the main case will be heard.

Justice Ladiran Akintola, in yesterday’s ruling, confirmed that the earlier ex-parte order would continue to stand. The judge listened to arguments from both sides before adjourning the matter to Friday for further proceedings.

In a related decision, the court rejected an attempt by another party to join the case, citing a missing signature on the affidavit. The judge noted the application could be filed again properly at a later date.

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, PDP’s counsel Musibau Adetunmbi, SAN, said, “The court found the affidavit was not signed, so the application for joinder could not be taken today. The other party can refile it correctly, and the interim injunction continues to hold.”

The earlier court decision had already cleared the way for the PDP to hold its National Convention, barring Acting National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, members of the National Convention Organising Committee, and INEC from interfering with the event. The party leadership was directed to follow all the established timelines and protocols for the convention.

The PDP has also reaffirmed that its convention will go on as planned despite reports suggesting otherwise. The party accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of spreading misinformation to disrupt the gathering.

In a statement, PDP National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba said, “Our convention is still set for Saturday, November 15, to Sunday, November 16, 2025, in Ibadan. Nigerians and party members should ignore false claims being circulated by people working for the APC to derail the event.”

By Favour Nwankwo

President of The United State of America Donald Trump is again facing tough questions after newly released emails from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate mentioned him several times.

The messages, made public on Wednesday by the House Oversight Committee, have fueled new debate about Trump’s past ties to the late financier and raised suspicions over why the White House is resisting calls to release all Epstein-related files.

The emails, which span from 2011 to 2018, showed Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell discussing Trump and his behavior. Although there is still no proof of any criminal wrongdoing by Trump, the messages have drawn fresh attention to his earlier friendship with Epstein and how much he may have known about the disgraced financier’s activities before his death in 2019.

According to committee members, the new evidence came from material obtained through Epstein’s estate and includes at least three emails that mention Trump directly. In one of them, Epstein wrote to Maxwell, “that dog that hasn’t barked is Trump,” suggesting that Trump had somehow avoided being drawn into public scrutiny at the time. Maxwell replied, “I have been thinking about that.”

The White House responded sharply to the revelations, insisting that Trump had done nothing wrong. “These emails prove absolutely nothing,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. “President Trump has always maintained his innocence and continues to focus on serving the American people.” However, critics say his continued refusal to release the full Epstein files only deepens public suspicion.

Sources confirmed that top officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, held a private meeting in the White House Situation Room with Rep. Lauren Boebert after the email release. The meeting, intended to calm political tension, sparked more controversy, with some lawmakers accusing the administration of trying to influence a pending petition that calls for the public release of all Epstein investigation documents.

Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for aiding Epstein’s crimes, told investigators earlier this year that she “never saw the president act inappropriately” and described him as “a gentleman in all respects.” Still, other leaked emails painted a less flattering picture, with Epstein reportedly calling Trump “borderline insane” and saying, “I know how dirty Donald is,” in messages sent to former U.S. officials and journalists in 2018.

Political observers say the latest disclosures have deepened the scandal’s impact, both in Washington and abroad, where other high-profile figures like Prince Andrew have also faced fallout over their Epstein ties. As one lawmaker put it, “If there’s nothing to hide, the files should be made public. The longer this stays secret, the worse it looks for everyone involved.”