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PDP South West Leaders Rally Support Ahead Ondo Election, Meet In Ibadan

By
Ayodele Oni
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PDP South West Leaders

By Ayodele Oni

Ahead of November governorship election in Ondo state, leaders of the People Democratic Party (PDP) and other stakeholders in the southwest have met in Ibadan, Oyo state to chart strategy to win the Ondo election.

They  resolved to put their differences behind and build their house to ensure victory in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo state.

Some of the leaders in attendance at the meeting include Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Chief Bode George, the National Deputy Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeeq Arapaja, former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, former governor of Osun, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former governorship candidate of Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede, the 2023 Ogun state governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu among others.

Speaking at the meeting, the host, Governor Seyi Makinde said the meeting was to discuss the progress of the party and fashion out strategies to unify the party stakeholders before the Ondo state governorship election scheduled for November, this year.

Briefing newsmen shortly after the meeting, Governor Makinde and his Osun State counterpart, Governor Ademola Adeleke harped on the unity of the party, which they said was paramount.

They expressed optimism that with the calibre and support of the party leaders in the Southwest, PDP would come out victorious in the Ondo StateNovember Election.

Speaking with newsmen, the PDP standard bearer in the Ondo governorship election, Agboola Ajayi, appreciated the coming together of the party leaders, saying that their unflinching support would be enough to coast him to victory.

LAHA Lawmakers Disagree With IGP Egbetokun On State Police

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Kayode Egbetokun - IGP

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly Lawmakers have disagreed with the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun on his stance on the creation of State Police. They said his position on the subject matter is unacceptable.

The Lawmakers said that it was unreasonable for the IGP to say that Nigeria is not ripe for the establishment of State Police.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to write to the IGP and the National Assembly stating that the State’s Lawmakers reject Egbetokun’s position.

Days back, the IGP, represented at a recently held one-day dialogue on State Policing, themed, ‘Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria’, opposed the establishment of state police, arguing that it would increase ethnic tension and cause divided loyalty in states of the federation.

Egbetokun had suggested that the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, should be merged with the police force.

However, speaking at plenary on Monday, Obasa noted that the FRSC and the NSCDC have not been able to solve the problems of accidents on roads and pipeline vandalism respectively, stressing that he wondered how effective they would be if they are merged with the police force.

“In Lagos State, we have the Security Trust Fund through which successive administrations starting from that of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu have provided enormous support to the police command in Lagos State. Yet, crime of different dimensions has continued.

“This shows that no matter what Egbetokun has proffered as solution, such won’t solve our problem. The position of the IGP is unacceptable.

“We strongly believe that if we have state police, we would be able to solve the issues of crime in our nation or reduce it to the minimum.

“As we have seen in other climes, the United Kingdom has different levels of policing just like the United States of America. So why should ours be different?

“The lives of our people are very important and we must do everything possible to make sure we protect lives and property. We want to state categorically that we believe in state police and we want to urge the National Assembly to continue with its intendment to establish state police through the process of constitutional amendment,” Obasa said while praising President Tinubu for his resolve to end insecurity in the country.

Commending the Speaker for his stand on the issue of state police, the lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency 1, argued that with its current structure, it would be difficult for the Nigeria Police Force to effectively secure the country.

Also declaring his support for state police, another lawmaker, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh (Ajeromi/Ifelodun 1), said each Nigerian state currently has a local security outfit in the semblance of state police.

“Today, which state does not have state police one way or the other? This is a cause that should be supported. For the IG to come out and say state police is not in the interest of Nigeria shows he is not considering the reality of insecurity on Nigerians,” he said.

New Apapa Area Comptroller  Of Customs Vows Zero Tolerance For Smuggling, Other Unwholesome Activities

By
The Source
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BO Olomu - Apapa NCS Command

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The newly appointed Area Comptroller of  Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, B.O Olomu has  warned that his regime would have zero- tolerance for smuggling and other unwholesome activities. He vowed to diligently pursue policies that will potentially enhance revenue collection, and trade facilitation.

This is even as he has promised the full and religious implementation of all the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the Common External Tariff CET, Import and Export Prohibition Guidelines, and other relevant extant laws.

Comptroller Olomu who spoke on Monday, May 6, 2024, during his official resumption of duty as the new boss of the Apapa NCS Command in Lagos, also assured that he will leverage the solid foundation laid by his predecessor to take the Command to the next level .

In his inaugural speech, Olomu noted that  activities such as smuggling of prohibited items, concealment and declaration for duty evasion etc,would not have a place in his administration.

“Our tolerance level for smuggling of prohibited items ,concealment and declaration for duty evasion shall be zero and shall remain so..

“Our country holds s strategic position for trade in West and Central Africa and Apapa Port is critical to Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area AFCFTA,.

“We are renewing Nigeria’s readiness for improved trade with fellow African countries and the world at large.

“Let me state categorically that we shall implement all the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 ,the Common External Tariff ,Import and Export Prohibition Guidelines and other books of instructions as directed by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“My assumption of this office is with a mind of confidence that we won’t betray the trust reposed in us by the Government, Comptroller General of Customs CGC, and the entire management of the Nigeria Customs Service .

“This confidence is premised on the reality that I am taking over a very organized command ,where I intend to build on the successes of my predecessor” Olomu stated.

He, therefore, called on the officers and men of the command to brace up and key in to the vision of taking the command to greater heights.

“I want to urge our officers to brace up for the changes that will feature as fall outs of customs modernization otherwise called e-customs ,AEO and many other groundbreaking World Customs Organization Innovations like the recently introduce advanced ruling policy.

“As a working principle, I hereby advise all our officers to treat all official matters with the speed they deserve leaving no file unattended to as such delays could mean slowing down Government revenue inflow.

“I shall emplace a trade dispute resolution seat that will operate every day including weekends to ensure that we make this command a true front liner in global best practices in terms of customs operation for other customs formations to emulate .

“Being the customs command handling the largest volume of trade in Nigeria ,Apapa Command under my leadership won’t be complacent and will be open to continuous engagement with every one .

“My doors are open to advice on how best to achieve our mandate because we are all here to add value and do better for Nigeria” Comptroller Olomu further stated .

The new Comptroller took over from Babajide Jaiyeoba who bowed out  after putting 35 years in the service.

Influx Of IDPs: Borno Flags Off  Construction Of 113 Km Maiduguri Ring Road, Pays N1.6 billion  Compensation

By
The Source
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In a bid to ease the pressure on infrastructural facilities within Maiduguri metropolis, occasioned by the influx of internally displaced persons IDP, the Borno State Government on Monday May 6, 2024 flagged off the construction of the 113- kilometer Maiduguri ring road. The project is expected to link the East, West and Southern parts of the State Capital.

The Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, who performed the official ceremony revealed that the project which is also to be  executed in phases, is his administration’s direct  response to the twin problems of congestion and  infrastructural deficits currently facing the State capital as a result of IDPs fleeing insurgency prone areas of the State.

He, also, expressed the optimism that the audacious project will be able to create job opportunities for the , and accelerate economic  growth and development of the state.

“Maiduguri the capital of Borno state is experiencing serious challenges as a result of the influx of many people, particularly the Internally displaced persons ,which is putting huge pressure on the infrastructures we have in the city to cater for the needs of the populace,especially housing among others .

“We are taking deliberate steps to decongest the city .Borno state Government has decided to start the first phase of the project ,which is about 16.5 km. Insha  Allah( by the Grace of God) ,we shall not hesitate to expand this work to cover the 113 km on the ring road ” the Governor stated.

Prof Zulum emphasised the need for the State Ministry of Works to closely monitor the project with a view to ensuring the delivery of quality and durable project.

“I want you to be very careful,and ensure that this road, after completion, will stand the test of time. Don’t look at the cost. And don’t compromise standards . I want this road to still pass integrity test in the next 30 years” the Governor charged ministry officials.

Engr Mustapha Gubio, the State Commissioner for Works ,while assuring timely and quality delivery of project, said the road is a dual carriage way with about 7.3 width thickness ,and in complete compliance with Federal Government standards specifications.

He noted that about N1.6 billion has been paid as compensations to about 732 persons whose farmlands and other properties were affected by the road construction,adding that part of the construction efforts include building of residential ,commercial, industrial and recreational facilities within the about 2000 hectares of land along the ring road.

Update: FG Debunks Claim Of Considering US Military Base Proposal

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bola Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

The Federal Government has debunked the news which made the rounds that it was considering granting a request by the United States of America, USA, to establish a Military Base in Nigeria.

Public outcry had greeted the news but the Federal Government has asked Nigerians to perish the thought as it has no intention of doing so.

There were strong speculations that the US in particular was flirting with Nigeria’s top officials to secure a military base in Africa’s most populous country.

But the  Nigerian Government in a statement on Monday signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Government was not anticipating US military presence in Nigeria.

Idris said the FG is “aware of false alarms” being raised in some quarters alleging discussions between the Federal Government of Nigeria and some foreign countries on the siting of foreign military bases in the country.

But he said: “We urge the general public to totally disregard this falsehood.”

He said the Federal Government is not in any such discussion with any foreign country.

“We have neither received nor are we considering any proposals from any country on the establishment of any foreign military bases in Nigeria.”

Idris said the Nigerian government is already enjoying foreign cooperation in tackling ongoing security challenges, and the President Tinubu Government remains committed to deepening these partnerships, with the goal of achieving the national security objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

When the news filtered, several Civil Society Groups have criticized the move, cautioning the Nigerian Government from accepting such.

The Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, also opposed the relocation of United States and French military bases to Nigeria, warning of the dangers of compromising the country’s sovereignty and security.

In a statement on Monday, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, the Acting National Publicity Secretary of the PRP, cautioned the Nigerian government against entering into any agreements that would lead to the establishment of foreign military bases on Nigerian soil.

“ The presence of foreign military bases on Nigerian soil may lead to a gradual erosion of our national sovereignty,” the party warned”.

It would be recalled that The US and France were booted out of Niger Republic and Mali by their new revolutionary leaders.

Before now, there were speculations that the US in particular was flirting with Nigerian top officials to secure a military base in Africa’s most populous country.

Osun Beefs Up Security Over Deportation Of Youths From Lagos, Gov Adeleke Reaches Out To Sanwo-Olu

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

In a swift reaction to deportation of some youths from Lagos to Osun state, Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed security agents to intensify activities in Ilesa and  environs.

A statement released on Monday by Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, confirmed that the youths had been rounded up in various areas in Lagos before being deported to Ilesha.

He disclosed that the youths were conveyed in luxury buses to the Ilesa from Lagos state and were dumped at Ilesa-Akure Express junction, Breweries; Ilesa – Ibodi – Iginla to Ife Express junction; Osun Ankara Express junction; Imelu Express junction; and Iperindo Express junction.

Adeleke said he had contacted his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the alleged deportation of some youths to Osun State, saying he promised to investigate the matter.

He said: “I am shocked over the matter and urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to look into the matter.

“I spoke with my brother, Governor Sanwo-Olu on the matter. He too was surprised and he denied ever authorising any such action. The Lagos team will update us as quickly as possible.

“I am subsequently directing our security agencies in Osun to mount surveillance in and around Ilesa to track the deported youths and their destinations.

“I will update our people on this development. I urge residents to be calm while the security agencies carry out surveillance.”

Nnamdi Kanu’s Wife Thanks Senator Ifeanyi Ubah Over Her Visit To Her Husband In Custody

By
The Source
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Uchechi Kanu

By Gideon Njoku

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has brightened the life of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, detained Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB.

Kanu has been in the custody of the Federal Government since he was renditioned in 2021, from Nairobi Kenya to Abuja, Nigeria. He is being prosecuted by the Federal Government for alleged offences ranging from terrorism to treason, allegations he strongly denies. Not a few people have appealed and pleaded for a political solution to the Kanu issue, but the appeals all came to nought. And, even though a couple of Courts had ruled in Kanu’s favour and asked that he be released from detention, that too has come to nought.

Since Kanu’s detention, his wife, Uchechi, who lives in the United Kingdom, has neither visited nor seen him. All efforts she made, according to her, to visit her husband in custody were, always, turned down.

But this other day, she disclosed, she was allowed to visit him in the facility of the Department of State Security Services where the FG kept him, thanks to Ubah who represents Anambra South in the Senate.

It was a relieved and grateful Mrs Uchechi Kanu who disclosed the role played by Senator Ubah which enabled her to visit her husband for the first time in years. She was full of Commendation for the Senator.

She disclosed her visit to her husband in an address to IPOB members in the United Kingdom.

Her words: “Let me use this opportunity to thank Senator Ifeanyi Ubah who moved swiftly to facilitate my visit to my husband in DSS custody. I thank you Sir.

“I thank other Igbo Politicians, Governors, and political officers holders who are concerned about the plight of my husband.

“A lot of these elites are concerned about the unlawful detention of my husband and are working silently to secure a round table discussion for his release. I’m thankful to them,”

Ironically, when the IPOB Leader was renditioned to Nigeria from Nairobi, false and unfounded allegations were made to the effect that it was Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s private jet that was used to fly him (Kanu) to Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Secret Service Gets More Directorates, Department In Reorganization

By
Ayodele Oni
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Yusuf Magaji Bichi - DSS DG

By Ayodele Oni

The Directorate of State Services, DSS,  has moved to enhance its operations with the establishment of more Directorate, while other units were upgraded to full Departments.

The newly established Directorates are Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management, Legal and Public Relations.

A memo to that effect reads:

“In line with the Management’s commitment towards expanding the Service frontiers of operations, better service delivery and professionalism, in the area of financial crime investigation, the DGSS has approved the establishment of Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Directorate to be domiciled under the Office of the Director General (ODG), NHSS.

“At the moment, the new Directorate will kick start in Financial Analysis and Investigation Department (FAID) with three Departments namely, Proceeds of Crime Recovery, Proceeds of Crime Management and Standards and Evaluation Unit.

“Cognisance of the need to enhance performance of Service personnel and their abilities to discharge the duties of their offices, as well as in line with the mandate of the Service as encapsulated in the National Security Agencies Act and Instrument No.1, 1999, Management has upgraded Legal and Public Relations Departments into full fledged Directorates to be headed by Directors.

“The Public Relations Department has been renamed Public Relations and Strategic Communications Directorate.

“It is instructive to note that the upgrading of Legal Department has become absolutely essential in view of the Service involvement in investigation and prosecution of suspects involved in State Crimes and allied matters.

“Activities of separatists, irredentist movements and social media influencers have also necessitated the establishment of Public Relations and Strategic Communications Directorate in order to counter propaganda and narratives capable of whipping up anti-government sentiments inimical to national security.

“The Directorate of Legal Services (DLS) will comprise four

Departments, namely: Criminal Cases Department (CCD);

Civil and Fundamental Human Rights Matters Department (CHRMD); Petitions, Discipline and Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee Matters Department (PDSM); and

Briefs, Policy Analysis, Judicial and Legislative Liaison Services Department (DPJLSD).

“The Directorate of Public Relations and Strategic Communications(PRSC)will have three Departments, namely: Public Relations and Strategic Communications Department (PRSCD); New Media and Protocol and Corporate Services Department(NMPCSD).”

Also established is forensic science department  to improve service delivery and efficiency.

The Department which is under the Directorate of Technical Services,

(DTS) is carved out from the existing Forensic Units of Digital Forensic, Mobile Forensic, Crime Science Forensic and Medical Forensic.

It is to be headed by an Assistant Director, Forensic Science (ADFS) and assisted by Five  Principal Staff Officers (PSO’s) and Eleven  Staff Officers (SO’s).

Rowdy Session As Edo Assembly Speaker Suspends Fmr Deputy Governor’s Allies

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The fallout of inter-politics which trailed the impeachment of the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu, is yet to abate. The  Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has just approved the suspension of three lawmakers over an alleged plot to impeach him and other Principal Officers of the Assembly.

One of the suspended Lawmakers, Donald Okogbe, PDP, Akoko-Edo II, is an ally of the impeached Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, and was the only lawmaker who did not sign the petition that led to Shaibu’s impeachment.

The suspended lawmakers are two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and one All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Lawmakers are Okogbe Ojeneh Donald, PDP, Akoko-Edo II, Addeh Emankhu Isibor, APC, Esan North-East I and Iyamu Bright, PDP, Orhionnwon II.

Agbebaku, who said the trio were suspended indefinitely alleged that they plot to change the leadership of the house.

He alleged that the three suspended members were being influenced by external forces to cause chaos and remove the leadership of the house.

The Speaker also alleged that some persons brought native doctors into the house at midnight on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 to make some demonic incantations and dropped charms in the assembly complex.

The suspension of the lawmakers, however, created tension at the house as the affected lawmakers kicked against their suspension.

In a rowdy session, the three suspended Lawmakers were seen screaming “Mr speaker you do not have the right to unilaterally suspend any member (s) of the house.

“You must call for votes. Allow members vote on the matter.”

The Speaker, thereafter, adjourned plenary abruptly.

Abia Forensic Audit: “We Are Not Out To Witch Hunt, But To Recover Looted State Funds – Gov Otti, “You Are Driven By The Urge To Destroy Me – Ikpeazu

By
The Source
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Government has vowed that it will explore all lawful avenues available to locate and retrieve all funds and properties of the State either looted and/or misappropriated in the last few years .

This is just as Governor Alex Otti has emphasised that the institution of an Inquisition into the financial records of Abia State through the appointment of an Audit Panel, as well as the findings recently made concerning misappropriation of funds by the immediate past regime is not aimed at witchhunting and/or persecution of perceived foes.

But Chief John Okiyi Kalu, former Commissioner for Information in the immediate past administration in the State ,has insisted that the Forensic Audit exercise and its purported findings are driven  by  Governor Otti’s ,deep seated hatred and disdain for his immediate predecessor in office, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu.

The Source reports that mid last month, while delivering a lecture at the famous John Hopkins University, United States of America, USA, the Abia State Governor had revealed that findings by Forensic Auditors commissioned to examine the financial records of the state between 2015 and 2023 revealed that a whopping 107 billion were siphoned from Abia Treasury under the guise of paying for a non-existent  State Airport and other phantom projects .

He specifically noted that the sum of N10 billion was claimed to have been paid by the former Governor Ikpeazu administration for the construction of unknown Abia state Airport,as well as about N97 billion paid to 72 nebulous contractors .

The Abia state Governor who spoke on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at an interactive session with stakeholders from his Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area said that the report of the audit panel revealed that a lot of the State’s funds were looted brazenly through payments for non- existent Airport and other projects, adding that the primary objective for the audit panel is to recover looted funds to facilitate the funding of developmental projects.

“I established the Forensic Audit of the State Accounts as soon as I was sworn-in and  the report has turned out to show  that a lot of money was looted ,stolen brazenly and part of the one I mentioned was the Abia Airport project.

“I am looking for the airport for which funds were moved from the coffers of the Government. The people concerned with moving the airport project funds in question went to the media and began to say all manner of things .

“If you are following the happenings in the media space, you will see these things there. The problem with lying is that when you tell one lie, you will need another one to cover the first lie and need three more lies to cover the second one.

“We are looking for our money, and we must find our money. If we can’t, don’t, find the airport , then they will refund our money” Governor Otti stated .

But in a statement issued on Sunday, May 5, Chief okiyi, said although an initial plan was made for the construction of Abia Airport to be financed with a loan facility of N10 billion from the United Bank for Africa UBA, the idea was, however, jettisoned in the face of superior position of some stakeholders ,led by the Abia state Council of Traditional Rulers for the funds to be channeled in to the  rehabilitation and construction of infrastructural facilities.

Chief Okiyi who also served as Commissioner for Trade ,Investment and Industry, maintained that the N10 billion was disbursed appropriately for the financing of roads and other projects.

“I was a member of the Abia Executive Council and functioned as the Commissioner of Information ,when the idea of constructing Abia Airport was first discussed during Exco meeting of September 24 ,2022.

“Based on the presentation made to the Exco, we approved the project and also approved the borrowing of N10 billion from the UBA, as initial investment by the state with repayment charged to our FAAC account with the bank .

“You may wish to recall that during the period the country was still struggling to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic with very low FAAC and IGR inflows across the states.

“With that approval by the Exco, the processes related to the project kicked off. The current Secretary to the State Government ,who is an appointee of Governor Otti, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, can review and confirm from Exco records in his custody.

“Shortly after we announced Exco’s approval of the airport project, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu received in audience Executive Members of the Abia state Council of Traditional Rulers led by  HRM Eze Joseph Nwabekee .

“On the 13th of November 2020, Governor Ikpeazu informed members of the State Exco about the details of his meeting with the representatives of the State’s Traditional Rulers who requested that we suspend the airport project and commit the funds earmarked for it to doing more roads in the State as we are surrounded by airports already, but need to urgently improve internal roads that would give a further boost to the socio-economic activities of the state .

“Exco, thereafter, voted   approval of the suspension and request to use the earmarked funds for road projects in the state..

“On the 17th of November 2020 ,Governor Ikpeazu took to his official X ( formally Twitter) handling to inform netizens that the airport project had been suspended .

“Ferotex Construction Company which is one of the reputable indigenous construction companies with anti graft agencies clearance was selected by the Ikpeazu’s administration as lead company in the ‘contactor financier’ arrangements ” Okiyi stated.

The former Ikpeazu administration’s spokesman insisted that if not that Governor Otti is driven more by hatred and disdain for his predecessor, with a view to destroying him even if it means dishing out  half truths to the unsuspecting public, a serious audit investigation will simply seek to establish if the allocated funds got to the companies and also if the contractors did the work”

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