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Tinubu Mocks Atiku, Says Former VP Will Govern From Dubai; Nigerians Say Kettle Calls Pot Black

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By Gideon Njoku

The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu,  on Sunday, in Kano, mocked the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, over the latter’s penchant for travelling to Dubai.

Tinubu said if voted into office, he would give Nigeria 100% service and not 50% because he would not govern from Dubai.

Tinubu made this statement while addressing the Tijjaniyya sect in Kano.

According to a statement released from Tinubu’s Media Office, signed by Tunde Rahman, Tinubu said:

“I won’t be a part-time President who will share time between living in Dubai and Nigeria. I would concentrate attention and energy on confronting and surmounting Nigeria’s pressing challenges.”

But a couple of Nigerians say Tinubu’s statement is a typical example of kettle calling pot black.

Achike Okafor, a PDP supporter submitted: “See who is talking about an absentee President. This is kettle calling the pot black. The difference between Atiku and Tinubu is: While Atiku goes to Dubai where he has a home to visit his family and see to his businesses, Tinubu goes to UK to stay for months over his health status. If elected, Tinubu will be a worse absentee President than Atiku.”

Flood Emergency Urgently Needed – Obi; Says Destruction Devastating

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Peter Obi

The Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi has said that the country ought to have declared flood disaster emergency in some areas of the country.

Obi who paused his National Presidential Campaign to enable him empathize  with the victims of the flood disaster in some states of the federation has visited Benue, BAYELSA and Anambra states and said that Federal Government ought to have declared national emergency on the natural disaster.

According to the Labour Party Presidential flag bearer, the damage is much, the havoc is enormous and beyond states and individuals. “The infrastructural damage is extensive”

In all the ravaged areas he visited, Ogbaru in Anambra state, BAYELSA state, Obi was received by excited crowd of leaders and their people who led him first hand through the extensive damage to roads, markets, health and school infrastructure.

In BAYELSA state Governor Duoye Diri explained to Obi the extent of the damage and the extreme hardship the people are going through as a result. Obi commended the Governor for his proactive handling of the situation.

Recall that while in Benue state on last week on similar sympathy visit, he rode in a paddled Canoe to meet the people at their IDP camps and they out of excitement crowned  him ‘President of the of the People’

Jonathan’s Home Under Attack – Governor Diri

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Jonathan Home under attack

By Charles Igbo

The country home of former President Goodluck Jonathan has come under attack by natural disaster.

This was disclosed by a devastated Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri.

On an emergency visit to Jonathan’s Otuoke Community, Diri lamented that both the country home of the former President and that of his aged mother, Eunice, have been submerged by a ferocious flood. The Governor lamented that both Jonathan and his mother have become Internally Displaced Persons.

“Jonathan’s home is under attack and so is that of his mother.”

The Governor, also, pointed out that the Community is host to a Federal University of Technology.

Bayelsa State is under water level. It is one of the hosts, in Nigeria, to the Atlantic Ocean and other large rivers.

Many States in the Federation have, in the past one month, been ravaged by unprecedented flooding. Thousands of people have, also, been displaced, and hundreds have lost their lives. In some communities, bridges and farmlands have been completely washed off.

Terrorism: US Embassy Reduces Its Services; Fears Imminent Terrorist Attacks In Nigeria; DSS Calls For Calm

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Uk Embassy in Nigeria

By Gideon Njoku

The United States Embassy In Abuja, Nigeria, has alerted  on an imminent terrorist attack in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital. For this, it has reduced its services in Nigeria until further notice.

In a security alert dated October 23, the Embassy said the risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, especially, Abuja, is elevated.

But the Department of State Services, DSS, has called for calm. The Service, in a release signed by its Spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, asked Nigerians to go about their businesses but to be vigilant and cautious.

In the alert, the US Embassy listed could-be targets to include government buildings, markets, shopping  malls, schools, restaurants, bars, places of worship, law enforcement facilities, transport terminals, among others.

It warned its citizens in Nigeria  to avoid every non-essential travels or movements.

The issued Security Alert reads:

“Security Alert:  U.S. Embassy Abuja (October 23, 2022)

“Location:  Abuja Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria

“Event:  There is an elevated risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, specifically in Abuja.  Targets may include, but are not limited to, government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, athletic gatherings, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities, and international organizations.  The U.S. Embassy will offer reduced services until further notice.

“Actions to Take:

“Avoid all non-essential travel or movement.

Stay alert.

*Avoid crowds.

*Review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency.

*Carry proper identification.

Assistance:

“U.S. Embassy Abuja, Nigeria

“Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area

“+234 (9) 461-4328 and after hours +234 (9) 461-4000 press zero

“[email protected]

“U.S. Consulate General Lagos

“2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island

“+234 (1) 460-3400 during business hours and after-hours

“[email protected]

“State Department – Consular Affairs

“888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444”

The DSS, in its response to the US Embassy’s alert said in a statement issued late Sunday night that: “The Department of State Services has received several enquiries relating to the security advisory issued by the US Embassy in Abuja today, 23/10/22.

” The public may recall that the Service had variously issued similar warnings in the past.

“While advising that necessary precautions are taken by all and sundry, the populace is enjoined to remain alert and assist Security Agencies with useful information regarding threats and suspicious criminal acts around them.

“Meanwhile, the Service calls for calm as it works with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to maintain peace and order in, and beyond Abuja.”

For over a decade, Nigeria has been under siege by terrorists, gunmen, bandits kidnappings all of which has resulted in the death of thousands of innocent citizens.

Nnamdi Kanu: SERG Cautions FG Over Injustice To South East Region

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The Source
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Pan-Igbo sociopolitical pressure organisation, the South East Revival Group (SERG) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari administration not to continue with what it described as “victimisation and exclusion policy of the Federal Government against Igbos in Nigeria”, attributing the insecurity in the region to hopelessness on the part of young people in the zone.

In a statement signed by its President and National Coordinator, Chief Willy Ezugwu, the SERG said that the delay in releasing the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is “not an action taken in the national interest.”

According to the South East group, “Before the Court of Appeal ruling discharging Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, President Muhammadu Buhari administration got the legal advice of the United Nations which demanded for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu based on the violent extradition of the IPOB leader by Nigerian government from Kenya to face terrorism trial in Nigeria.

“Like the Court of Appeal, the United Nations, UN Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention indicted both Nigeria and Kenya Governments for the
arrest and extraordinary rendition, torture and continued detention of Kanu without due process.

“We recall that the UN had asked Nigerian Government for the “immediate release Kanu unconditionally” and pay him adequate compensations for the arbitrary violation of his fundamental human rights.

“The UN also recommended that government officials responsible for the torture meted to the IPOB leader be investigated and punished.

“The UN further directed Nigeria to report back within six months of the transmission of its opinions on Kanu’s matter, steps taken to comply with all the recommendations thereof.

“The United Nations had referred the case of Kanu’s torture to Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment for
further consideration.

“The 16-page report dated July 20, 2022 was adopted on April 4 by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention at its 93rd session, held between March 30 – April 8, 2022 and reportedly communicated its recommendations to the Federal government of Nigeria on or about

“We’re worried that the current refusal of the Federal Government to first obey the order of the Court of Appeal on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is already being seen as kidnapping of a citizen.

“This will definitely worsen the security situation in South East as similar extrajudicial action of the Federal Government which led to the murder of the leader of the Boko Haram Islamic sect, Yusuf Mohammed, by agents of the state has been widely acknowledged to be the immediate cause of the extraordinary escalation of violence in the North East, which Nigeria is yet to recover from.

“Since the arrest and detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the South East has become a theatre of blood and gruesome killings by state and non-state actors in Igbo land is unprecedented.

“The Igbos have been raiseing alarm on marginalization of the South East but turning the zone into a butcher zone by the actions and inactions of the Federal Government of Nigeria in recent time is the worst since the civil war.

“We therefore urge President Muhammadu Buhari to call the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami to order as it is globally acknowledged that injustice brew anarchy is every society.

“If the Federal Government can order the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to first call off their strike in obedience to the order of the Industrial Court before ASUU could be allowed to appeal the judgment, what is the justification for not obeying the order of the Court of Appeal on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu?

“The extraordinary rendition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was considered and an injustice and a violation of his fundamental human rights by both the United Nations and the Court of Appeal.

“We therefore urge the Nigerian government to make hay while the sun shines and free Nnamdi Kanu in accordance with the express order of the Court of Appeal as this will mitigate perceptions of bias, exclusion and injustice against the South East region over the years”, the SERG stated.

Lagos 2023: Jandor Optimistic Of Victory;  Says He Is Destined By God To Be PDP’s Candidate

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Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Olajide Adediran, the Peoples Democratic Party’s Gubernatorial Candidate in Lagos State has disclosed that he is in the Governorship race to unseat the incumbent Governor of the State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu at the polls in 2023.

Adediran, popularly known as Jandor said that since his emergence as the Lagos State PDP Governorship candidate, there have been a lot of hearsay and rumour from his political antagonists about how he emerged at the primaries. He declared that it was destined by God for him to vie for the Governorship seat under the Party.

The former All Progressives Congress, APC, member and the Lead Visioneer, Lagos For Lagos Movement said that he is not in the Governorship race to make up the numbers but to emerge as winner at the polls and change the narratives by bringing  government nearer to the people and provide basic amenities.

Jandor made the statements when he paid a courtesy call Akran of Badagry, Oba De When Aholu, the Menu-Toyi 1 where he sought his royal blessings as part of his electioneering campaign. He promised  to develop a Coconut Island In Badagry if elected Governor.

A statement on Sunday by the Head, Media and Communications for Jandor4Governor Campaign Organisation, Gbenga Ogunleye, stated that Adediran got a rousing welcome at the Palace of the Akran of Badagry Kingdom, adding that Badagry would not remain backward under his government.

Jandor who was in the company of his running mate, Funke Akindele, called for the support of the Royal Fathers and people in the division, saying that they had suffered enough.

According to him, his administration would bring development to Badagry, construct bridges and make the division a destination for investors.

He said, “I want to congratulate you this time around because ever since the return of democracy no one considered Badagry Division for the governorship seat in Lagos State. That I got the PDP ticket is predestinated by God.

“I want to thank you for standing by us and for your prayers. I want to congratulate this division, especially my fathers that in Lagos it is the turn of Badagry Royal Fathers. It is good luck to Badagry.

“I was trained in this house and my fathers and mothers are here today. It is our turn to serve. I have not come to play politics, but to seek your blessings.

“You are the fathers of all and we have come to seek your blessings. We are not at war with anybody and our government would be for the masses.”

Adediran told the Obas that his team has decided to tour all the wards in the State and that it was the turn of Badagry.

He decried the state of the roads in the division saying that he would not be in government and the situation would remain the same.

“We are going to have Coconut Island in Badagry just as we have Banana Island. We will construct bridges in the division,” he said.

He advised the division to vote for all the candidates of the PDP in the general elections slated for February 25, 2023, and March 11, 2023.

Adediran, while addressing the teeming party’s supporters at the palace said that his team had prepared to run a humane government that would prioritise the masses’ interests.

Also commenting, his running mate, Nollywood Actress turned-politician told the Traditional Rulers that she joined Jandor to give hope to women, children, and the youths in the state.

She said, “I am promising you that I will do you proud, I will not disappoint you.”

Speaking on behalf of the Traditional Rulers in the division at the palace, the Oniworo of Iworo Kingdom, Oba Oladele Kosoko said, “Only a child will not know what Badagry Division is going through.

“Whoever God has chosen to help our division will get there.  We, as fathers, will continue to pray for you,” he said.

He urged the politicians to campaign based on issues and avoid violence.

Speaking at wards G and F in Badagry Local Government Area in Ajido, Adediran said that God had written it that a time was coming that a son of the soil would be the next governor and that He had chosen someone from the riverine area.

He stated that they had been supporting people from other places to be governors in Lagos State, but the time had come that it should no longer be given to just anybody.

“We have been going everywhere, we were in Alimosho for three days. It is time for the son of the soil to do it. No matter what happens we will see some of us who want the status quo to remain. But we will not fight them.

“Just call them to one side and discuss with them, you will discover that they are selfish because they are the ones benefitting from a government that does not care for the people.

“We want to have a government of the masses. I used to travel on the water with my mother and I am used to this place, so I want to develop it. We want to appeal to our traditional rulers to help us. Some of these people would come with money and the money is to take away your rights.

“Are you still spending the money they gave you four years ago? You can see the difference between the Baales here and those in the city,” he said.

Adediran further urged the youths to talk to their friends, including those in the APC, and let them know that it was time for the son of the soil to take over.

He added that the likes of top politicians in the area such as Hon. Sunny Ajose and others in the APC and the PDP would be recognised in his government.

According to him, people could be in another party but they would vote for him as their son.

He said, “All the deputy governors and APC party chairmen that they have been giving us what have they achieved?  I can tell you that even the Chairman of the APC in Lagos State, Pst. Cornelius Ojelabi, would vote for the PDP in 2023. I told him before I started the race. When I become the governor I would take care of him.

“I am not going to be a PDP or APC governor, I would be the governor of all. Since they have been ruling they have not been able to complete Badagry Expressway unlike what they did in Lekki.

“When we get into office, we will construct bridges in Badagry. Don’t be afraid, it is just eight hours on election day and they cannot rig this election. We have been winning them in Badagry Division all along.”

Speaking earlier,  Akindele urged the people to continue working and not to be tired, while expressing satisfaction with the reception given to them.

“I am happy with the way you welcomed us, you are too much. We are ready for a better life in Lagos from May 29, 2023, when Jandor would assume office.

“They have given women a chance and as deputy governor, we will give people soft loans and there will be free education for our children. We will get local tailors to sew school uniforms for our children so they can also make money,” she said.

The program was attended by Baales and traditional chiefs, including the Oba Kosoko of Iworo Kingdom, Oba of the Ajido Kingdom, who were represented, Baale of Jegene, Chief Sumaila Lukmon and Baale of Jegenu Ayaba, Chief Fasasi Shittu, party members and residents of the area.

The campaign team also visited the popular Agbalata Market and other major markets in Badagry to seek the support of traders and business owners.

We Pray it Doesn’t Happen Again – Obi Assesses Flooding in Asaba

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The Source
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Peter Obi

In continuation of his solidarity visits and humanitarian outreaches to states in Nigeria affected by flooding, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has visited Asaba, Delta State, to assess the extent of the damage caused by the floods and to commiserate with the victims.

Obi had, the previous day, visited the flooded areas in Bayelsa State; the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Ogbaru, Anambra State; the Industrial Harbour in Onitsha and the IDP camps in Anambra East, to reach out to those affected by flooding and encourage them.

While speaking at Asaba during his tour of the flooded areas around the Bridge Head, Obi said that he feels sad for the huge economic losses brought upon the people by the floods, but above all, by the lives lost to the disaster. He revealed that from his interaction with business owners within the area, billions of naira worth of investment have been washed away by the floods.

“I can imagine the pains and difficulties the flood victims are going through. I feel bad about the lives and property lost to the floods. Take a look at Tourist Garden Hotel, Asaba, which is worth over N2 billion and see how it is submerged under water. I have spoken to the owner of the hotel to encourage him. Even the manufacturing arm of his Company, at the industrial harbour, is badly affected. These are very challenging times for Nigerians,” Obi empathised.

He appreciated the Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for his efforts in giving succour, hope and encouragement to the flood victims, while encouraging the people to remain hopeful and optimistic.

“We pray that a disaster like this never befalls us again. We continue to appeal to relevant governmental and non-governmental organisations to continue to reach out to the people displaced by floods and continue to help them through these difficult times,” he said.

Encomia For Uzodimma Over Transparency, Open Governance Award

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The Source
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Hope Uzodimma - Imo Civil Servant Promotion

The prestigious award of excellence in public service in the area of transparency and open governance given to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has been generating encomia from Imo indigenes who have also shown open excitement over the honour done their Governor.

Governor Uzodimma was among 44 awardees, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and 15 other governors, who were honoured at the weekend at Abuja for their sterling performances in  different spheres of development in the country while in office.

The award – Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service (NEAPS) – was initiated by the Office of the Secretary to the Government on the Federation (SGF) in collaboration with The Best Strategic (TBS) Media.

Governor Uzodimma was given the rare award of excellence in transparency and open governance, amid 15 other brother Governors, an indication that his sermon on transparency and accountability, as the driving force of his 3-R mantra government that is anchored on Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery, has attracted the attention of critical government assessors.

An excited Chairman of the Board of Ben Uwajimogu College of Education Onicha Uboma, HRH, Eze Oliver Ohanweh said he was not surprised at the award because “Governor Uzodimma exemplifies selfless character and passion for humanity.”

While the Chairman of ALGON  in Imo State, chief Willie Okoliogwo described Governor Uzodimma as ” the most conic Governor of the South East,” the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Group, Mrs. Nkechi Ugwu said the award was both earned and deserved. “Everyone knows of His Excellency’s dedication to a better Imo and posterity will be kind to him.”

The media community was not left out in pouring encomium on the Governor.

According to the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Imo State Chapter, Chief Chris Akaraonye, “this award justifies His Excellency’s wonderful achievements in Imo State, especially in road construction and rehabilitation.”

Yet, another prominent Imo indigene, a business mogul of note and the Duke of Owerre Nkworji, Sir Beneth Nwokejiobi not only congratulated Governor Uzodimma and described the award as “most deserving,” he said he was not in doubt that “Imo people will be the ultimate beneficiary of Governor Uzodimma’s transparent, open, selfless and committed government.”

Perhaps, the view of the Chief Political Adviser/ Head of Political Bureau to the Governor, Chief Enyinnaya Onuegbu summarises the whole essence of the honour done the Governor.

Onuugbu said: “The commitment of an elected official to implementing due process in leadership guarantees the delivery of quality democracy dividends to the people, ensures a secure and happy society to the glory of God. Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma is simply an icon in leadership.”

During the conferment of the award, the SGF, Boss Mustapha noted that NEAPS was instituted to recognise hardwork and purposeful leadership that is geared towards development of Nigeria.

He reiterated that the award was given out to individuals who have distinguished themselves in public service in Nigeria at the federal, state and community levels.

President Muhammadu Buhari who also  attended the award ceremony commended the Office of the SGF for the initiative and reiterated the need to accord due recognition to those who have, through their offices, impacted the lives of the people.

While Jonathon was honoured with an award on peace building, Lawan and Gbajabiamila were recognized for Parliamentary excellence.

The Governors were recognized in areas they were deemed to have made commendable impact on the society.

Since assumption of office in January 15, 2020, Governor Uzodimma has been preaching and following through transparent and open (accountable) governance, taking into consideration the fact that corrupt system cannot deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

He has also not hidden his disdain for policies and programmes that make it difficult for the people to assess those in positions of authority.

It would be recalled that Governor Uzodimma was awarded the Sun Newspapers Governor of Year (2021), not just because of his commitment to the infrastructural renewal of Imo State, but for other considerations including his transparent and accountable disposition to governance.

2023 Is A Referendum On APC’s Woeful Performance – Atiku

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Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Peoples Democratic Party’s Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has blamed the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, for plunging the nation into  economic downturn.  Nigerians should hold the APC responsible for “their failure”, Atiku said.

The former Vice President in a newsletter on Sunday, said: “It’s a plan that encompasses a wide range of the challenges that beset us currently, and the core purpose of my campaign is to market those plans to Nigerians. For me and everyone on the PDP side, including you, the next general election is a referendum on the performance of the APC.

“The ruling party will want to run away from their poor performance. In fact, they will wish that we focus on topics that are irrelevant to the next election. But we won’t give them that advantage. We will hold them accountable for their scorecards. But even that is not enough. What is more important is that we don’t make the same mistake again.

“That’s why it is incumbent on us to evaluate the plans of each political party and let that be the yardstick of our electoral decisions. As the presidential candidate of the PDP, I shall insist that we focus on issues that are relevant to the next election. I will count on your support in marketing these plans so that, in the end, we both would have done our part to ensure that Nigeria is the ultimate winner in the election next year.”

NIDCOM Urges FG To Investigate Killings Of Nigerians In South Africa

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

The indiscriminate killings of Nigerians in South Africa has led to the call by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, to the Federal Government and the South African Government to investigate to sad incidents.

NIDCOM spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, lamented the killing of a Nigerian, Nwankwo Gabriel,  who was killed on October 13, 2022, at East and West Axis Point, South Beach, Durban by unknown assailants.

The Consul-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, Andrew Idi, and his team had earlier paid a condolences visit to Nwankwo’s wife.

NIDCOM called on the Nigerian and South African Governments to wade Into the issue, and bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to justice.

Balogun said the Commission does not have the jurisdiction to investigate such issues but will allow the South African Government to take up the matter.

He said: “The Embassy is to take care of Nigerians; we are to link up and coordinate with them. The Ambassador himself has gone to visit and what he can do is to ensure they investigate. He cannot initiate an investigation. It’s not his country.

“Investigation will resume but we are not the ones to do the investigation. We will only urge the South African authorities to do the necessary investigation and unravel the issue.

“If you go online you will see all our previous efforts and we are not relenting on it.”

The deceased is survived by four children and was married to a South-African, Stephany.

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