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IPOB Warns Against Criminalities In South East

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has warned some individuals who claim to be fighting for the actualisation of the Biafran Republic and the release of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,  but are kidnap kingpins,  to desist from such. It accused them of also engaging in other forms of criminalities in the South-East geopolitical zone, thus dragging IPOB’s reputation in the mud.

IPOB stated that kidnapping for ransom and other heinous crimes are not part of the tradition practised by the zone’s ancestors, and warned those in the act to desist from it and stop soiling its name.

In a statement signed by its Director of Publicity,  Emma Powerful, the group warned that it is  a sacrilege to be part of such an ugly trend in the land.

In  the Statement, IPOB said it initiated the Monday sit-at-home order in the zone, but had since suspended it, saying its continuation was against the people and should be condemned at its entirety.

The statement reads:

“We, the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by the great leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to condemn numerous kidnappings and killings going on at the Nnewi LGA and other parts of Biafraland by criminals as Igbo tradition goes against Ndigbo waste innocent Igbo lives.

“It is a sacrilege to be part of such heinous crime against our own people. If our ancestors acted in such way to themselves we wouldn’t have been able to see today.

“We are cautioning those claiming to kidnap because of non-compliance of non-existent Monday sit-at-home order to stop. If you are fighting for Biafra freedom and wish that Nnamdi Kanu should be released from the DSS dungeon, you must stop all forms of criminalities in Biafra land. However, if you enjoy spilling the blood of a fellow innocent Biafran, bear in mind that you will be rewarded in the same coin.

“We wish to remind our people that the already suspended Monday sit-at-home was initiated by the IPOB leadership (DOS) and not any other person or group. However, our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whom we are following his footsteps and leading this movement and noble family, advised us to stop the Monday sit-at-home and we obeyed.

“All previous sit-at-home orders from DOS were not enforced yet Biafrans obeyed knowing that we are in the struggle together. We don’t know why infiltrators paid to be unfortunate disciples to Nnamdi Kanu will recruit, brainwash and arm criminals and some misguided Biafrans to maim, kidnap, murder and destroy fellow Biafran properties so as to enforce already suspended Monday sit-at-home.

“We are calling those brainwashed and misguided Biafrans used by the paid infiltrators to impersonate the IPOB to pull out of such gang. But if you continue kidnapping and killing innocent citizens because of Monday sit-at-home, bear in mind that you must be killed because you are not fighting for Biafra Restoration nor the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”

Emma Powerful in the statement further condemned the spate of kidnappings going on in Nnewi, Anambra State, adding that the ugly trend has led to the unnecessary killing of innocent citizens, who could not provide ransom for their release.

It added, “If you’re among the criminal gangs contracted to continue to harass our people, the IPOB and ESN operatives must not spear you unless you repent. If indeed you’re passionate to fight for Biafra freedom, how come you didn’t join ESN and do the legitimate work for Biafra freedom? Those who have been brainwashed into terrorising our people should stop, repent and revert to the IPOB strategy and operations or regret your actions.

“The infiltrators were paid to hire criminals to impersonate, blackmail, demonise and destroy IPOB in the eyes of the International Community by killing our people whom we are fighting for their liberation and freedom. The IPOB doesn’t kill and must not kill anybody to have Biafra as a Sovereign Nation. Biafra will come but not through car snatching, kidnappings and killings going on in these communities in Imo, Abia, Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi States.

“We are aware that Nigeria Government and Fulani Caliphate recruited and funded those criminal activities in the region, they recruited the criminals and make them look as if they are IPOB or ESN members. But it is the duty of every Biafran to debunk this ‘divide and rule British game’ because they are looking for anything and anyone to destroy IPOB and ESN.

“Igbo youths, please shine your eyes!! The green snakes are in the green grass. The enemies have armed some of us to be harmful to fellow Igbo man and woman while impersonating the IPOB. But one thing is sure, you cannot destroy the IPOB-ESN using propaganda or fake ESN, Why so?

Answer : Just to get ESN and IPOB out of the way for Fulani conquest of Biafra land to be sure.

“The DOS and other leadership are up there fighting hard to gain Biafra recognition internationally while some idiots have allowed themselves to be used against our people and to damage the good loyalty and reputation the ESN and IPOB volunteers have enjoyed since establishment. We knew why our leader stopped the Monday sit-at-home order which we are not obliged to expose to the public. Unfortunately, some Biafrans are on social media ranting and fighting the IPOB leadership without knowing what is happening or going on with the struggle and where the struggle stands at the moment. But in a short while some revelations will be made known concerning Biafra agitation.

“Anybody still enforcing that non-existent Monday sit-at-home is a criminal who is paid through infiltrators’ leader in Fulani to impersonate and blackmail IPOB. So long as IPOB is concerned, the Monday sit-at-home initiated by the DOS has been cancelled and has not been reinstated. The IPOB doesn’t force or intimidate anyone when we call our people to sit-at-home as part of our civil disobedience especially on our Leader’s Court date. We allow people to do it voluntarily and not by force. Therefore, anyone enforcing already suspended Monday sit-at-home is not an IPOB member nor IPOB volunteer.”

EFCC Warns Corps Members Against Cybercrime, Fraud

By
Akinwale Kasali
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EFCC Operatives

By Akinwale Kasali

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has warned National Youth Corps members against involvement in fraudulent and cybercrime activities.

Both crimes have become an epidemic among youths, even amongst those in tertiary institutions.

The EFCC, in a statement on Sunday signed by the  Commission’s Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, noted that the Commandant of the EFCC Academy, Ayo Olowonihi, during a sensitisation programme at the Karu Local Government Secretariat in Nasarawa State on Friday, August 26, urged members of the Anti-corruption Community Development Service Group of the National Youth Service Corps, to embrace hard work and avoid involvement in cybercrime and other types of economic and financial crimes.

He said, “Olowonihi, who was represented by the Head, Media Academy, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Chidinma Amanambu, urged Corps members to “be dedicated in whatever you are assigned to do during your service because you never know how far you can grow as a result of your commitment.

“The Corps members, who were sensitised on the key provisions of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004, expressed the willingness to carry the anti-corruption campaign to various schools and the society at large.”

Dethroned Zamfara Emir, Atiku Abubakar, Dies In Dubai

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Atiku Abubakar - Zamfara Emir

By Akinwale Kasali

Atiku Abubakar, the  dethroned Zamfara Emir, has reportedly died in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He passed on Sunday, August 28, 2022.

The late Emir who was hospitalized at a Private Hospital in Dubai following a protracted illness died Sunday evening.

Sani Zurmi, a family member of the Late Emir broke the news of his demise, and disclosed that his remains will be brought to Nigeria for burial.

According to Zurmi, “His remains are still in Dubai due to non-availability of flight to bring the deceased back home for burial”.

The late Abubakar was dethroned along with the Emir of Dansadau, Husaini Umar on April 27, 2021, for allegedly aiding banditry in their respective Emirates.

Ondo: Govt To Hold Teachers Responsible For Low Enrollment In Public Schools

By
The Source
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Students - Education

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo state government has said teachers in its employment that enrol their children in private schools are not adding value to the teaching profession.

According to the state chairman of Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Victor Olabimtan, such teachers are contributing to

the dwindling population of pupils in public schools in the state.

The Head Press & information Services of the board, Bisi Agboola, in a statement in Akure, stated that government was worried over the development, despite its investment in primary education.

Agboola, said the chairman, at a meeting with head teachers across the three senatorial districts of the state, frowned at the dwindling population of pupils in public schools inspite of government efforts.

According to him, the state government has decided that  teachers will henceforth be held responsible for any drop in schools’ enrolment.

The SUBEB chairman condemned  the attitude of some teachers taking their children to private schools and ruled that it has become an offence for any public school teachers to take their wards to private schools.

Olabimtan said Ondo state government will not relent in its efforts at upgrading school standard as well as provide personnel.

He called on the Education Secretary in the 18 Local government areas not to hesitate at reporting any teacher found wanting in their duty post for possible sanction.

The chairman charged the teachers to buckle up and do the needful in the area of enrollment drive and shun any act of indolence.

The statement added that the state government has approved that serving primary school teachers can now reach the level-16 status like their counterparts in the civil service.

By implication, teachers can be considered for the position of permanent secretary, when such vacancy is opened.

Already, promotion letters have been distributed to 2,111 teachers out of which 85 are of grade level-16.

0labimtan thanked Governor Akeredolu for providing UBEC Counterpart funding, which has hitherto been neglected for about five years, paving way for the massive reconstruction of schools, renovations as well as provision of furniture items.

The state Chairman of PTA, Alhaji Abimbola Omo-Oloja, while responding, thanked the governor, for his interest at lifting education from foundation.

Omo-Oloja, who pledged the unflinching support of parents, appealed for the return of extra curricular activities in schools.

Ekiti Govt Sheds Light On Landed Property In Ondo

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State government has clarified status of one of its landed properties in Akure, Ondo state capital.

The landed property situated at the high brow Alagbaka Government Reserve Area, is one of the assets inherited by the state on its creation  in 1976.

The Chief Executive Officer, Fountain Holdings Limited, the company in charge of EKiti State Property,  Mr Seyi Ayeleso explained that the property has not been sold for N150 Million as being speculated in social media.

An Akure based man in a two minutes and 50 Seconds video had alleged that a piece of land belonging to Ekiti state in Alagbaka Area of Akure Ondo State capital had been sold by the Fayemi’s aide with the knowledge of Fountain Holdings Limited.

Ayeleso in a Statement, described the video as a total falsehood and an attempt by blackmailers aiming to tarnish the good image of the Fayemi led administration.

He challenged the rumour monger and the man behind the video to come out with evidence or face the wrath of law.

”The ideal thing would have been to maintain golden silence in a situation like this. But for the good of the public, we have to respond officially to his innuendoes not to dignify him but to safe  the public from manipulation.

“The land was allotted to Ekiti State through the issuance of Survey Plan and Certificate of Occupancy in 2004 and duly registered in the book of Ondo State Government.

“So it is not a land that can be sold in secrecy. When land especially like the one in question located in the high brow part of Alagbaka is sold, there are necessary processes such as payment of Government fees and such transaction will be documented in the State Land Registry.

“The Alagbaka/Akure land in question is one of the assets of EKSG on my desk and I can tell you that the land is not sold and there is no plan to sell it.

“Sales of land cannot be done in secrecy. And any inquisitive individual can easily do a search at the Land Registry to know if there is any transaction on any land. As I talk to you the Certificate of Occupancy and the Survey Plan are in my custody.

“However, in line with our investment philosophy, we have the plan  to  concession the land to a developer on a build, operate and transfer (BOT) model under the company’s established strict due diligence and process.

“It is therefore easy for any reasonable person to find out the true position by going to the Land Registry to make necessary enquires.

“There is the Freedom of Information Bill that entitles every citizen to seek information on any Government program or project. He can equally go to the Ministry of Justice to activate his right to know.

“No doubt, the social media has created media space for the good, the bad and the ugly to say all manner of things.”

Ayeleso charged members of the public to disregard the video as it is fitting only for the dustbin.

Ekiti Anglican Diocese Gets New Bishop

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rev Andrew Olusola Ajayi

By Ayodele Oni

The Church of Nigeria, Ekiti Anglican Diocese now has a new Bishop in person of Rt. Rev. Andrew Olusola Ajayi.

The new bishop,  the sixth for the diocese,  was born on July 2, 1959 in Fiditi, in Oyo State, and Consecrated Bishop by the Most Revd Peter Akinola at the Cathedral Church of St James, Oke-Bola, Ibadan on May 14, 2008.

He was enthroned as the First Bishop of the Diocese of Ekiti Kwara Missionary Diocese on May 26, 2008 and remains the Bishop of the Diocese till he was elected, confirmed and enthroned as the 6th Bishop of Ekiti on 13th August, 2022.

In his mission statement, the new bishop plans to raise a formidable team of highly committed Ministers of the gospel and Lay people, discover and harvest the people and bring them to grow in the faith, deepen and widen the study of the word of God and reach more Youth through focused Christian education, mentorship and discipleship.

Bishop Ajayi also intends to care for widows, orphans and the needy;  aim to provide basic medical needs through funds raised for that purpose, promote unity amongst the three Houses of Bishop, Clergy and Laity, strengthen the Diocese to be self-sustaining financially and operationally and revive Christian commitment and dedication of members to a good cause.

Ekiti Anglican communion, which has now been biforcated into two, has as its pioneer bishop, the late Rt. Rev’d Michael Adeniyi Osanyan, enthroned on October 30, 1966, followed by late Rt. Rev’d Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye, consecrated as the second Bishop on 18th October, 1970 and Rt. Rev Clement Agboola Akinbola as the third Bishop of Ekiti on 5th July, 1986.

Also, Rt. Rev’d Samuel Adesso  Abe became the fourth bishop and the Rt. Rev’d Dr (Most Rev’d) Christopher Tayo Omotunde Ph.D was bishop from 23rd June 2012 – 1st March, 2022.

2023: Obasanjo Dashes Hope Of Presidential Candidates, Says He Has No Special Candidate

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Obasanjo and Presidential Aspirants

By Akinwale Kasali

For weeks, the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, Abeokuta, Ogun State, home of former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has been a Mecca of sorts for Presidential Candidates ahead of the 2023 Elections.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, recently visited and consulted the Owu, Ogun State born former Military President, as regards his Presidential Aspirations. And so did the others.

A few days ago in London, he led the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, to a meeting with the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and his allies which include State Governors and other high profile PDP stakeholders. Wike and Camp are rebelling against the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and the PDP Leadership.

But Obasanjo has dashed the hope of all the candidates. He says he has no preferred candidate among those contesting the 2023 presidential election.

Obasanjo, who stated this in Minna on Sunday when he paid former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar a visit, over the laters recent ill-health, said he only has a national agenda, not a preferred candidate.

“I don’t have a special candidate, I have a national agenda.”

“I came to see my brother who has been a little indisposed. I had plans to visit him when he was still in London, but the day I arrived London was the day he returned home.

“So that is why I decided to come and see him at home. He is very special so I had to come.

He also said that “if there is anyone who is indisposed, I will visit and I am still strong.”

The former President who was in a closed door meeting with Abdulsaami arrived at 12:30 and left at 1:13pm.

Ondo To Get Befitting Judiciary Complex

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State
Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, is set to build an ultra-modern and befitting Judiciary complex in Akure, the State capital.

The Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Raimi Aminu disclosed this during an inspection visit to the site of the proposed complex.

The Commissioner visited the site to inspect the clearing of the land in preparation for the commencement of the project.

Aminu hinted that the ground-breaking of  the Complex will be performed by Governor Akeredolu before the end of the year.

He noted that the Judiciary Complex will sit on 12 hectares of land, adding that the location beside, El-shaddai Church Alagbaka, Akure, was chosen because of its uniqueness.

”We are here on an inspection visit to see the preliminary operations such as clearing of the site in readiness for the commencement of the project.

“The Ondo State Judiciary Complex will house 20 different Court buildings. That is, each building from Court one to Court 20.

“Besides that, there will be another separate building that will house the Chief Judge’s Court. That’s making twenty-one different buildings.

“Apart from these, it will also have an ancillary building for the registry and other staff. There will also be a hall. Furthermore, there will be befitting road infrastructure including hydraulic structures and concrete pavement or asphaltic pavement.

“The ground-breaking will be performed by Mr. Governor before the end of this year. It will be completed in 18 months from when the construction begins. When completed, the Judiciary Complex will rank as one of the best in the country.”

The Commissioner stressed that the project is among the numerous interventions of Governor Akeredolu across the three senatorial districts of the State.

“This project is part of the efforts of the Akeredolu administration to make the administration of justice smoother and better. It will be another legacy project for the administration of Governor Akeredolu.

“We can only continue to pray for the Governor and appreciate him for his commitment to making Ondo State far better than he met it.

“Despite the huge financial difficulties, Mr. Governor has continued to deliver on his promises and making life meaningful for the people.”

Again, Wike Tears Sule Lamido Apart

By
The Source
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Nyesom Wike and Sule Lamido

By Gideon Njoku

Like a raging volcano, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike flew back to Nigeria, and immediately, descended on former Jigawa Stats Governor, Sule Lamido.

Wike and  Lamido have literally been at each other’s neck over the wrangling between Atiku Abubakar, Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, since after Atiku beat Wike to a second place, and shunned him as his running mate.

Apparently exasperated by  Wike’s reluctance to toe the Party line, by his threats, and his open romance with Presidential candidates of other Parties, specifically Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, a romance which not a few PDP stakeholders see as anti-party on Wike’s part, Lamido descended on him.

He asked the PDP and Atiku to ignore Wike. He called Wike an Emperor in Rivers State. He told Wike he had no control over the  votes of Rivers electorate. And finally, Lamido reminded Wike that in about eight months time, he would become a former Governor.

In a swift response, Wike told Lamido that he, Lamido, has become politically irrelevant. And reminded him that he was one of the reasons the PDP lost elections in 2015.

True, Lamido was one of the PDP Governors in 2015, who had nothing good to say about then President Goodluck Jonathan and/or his Government in the run-up to the Presidential election. The way he carried on, not a few people had expected Lamido to decamp to the APC at the time with the other PDP six Governors who decamped. He disappointed them by not decamping, but the APC had a landslide victory in Jigawa.

On Thursday, Atiku had appealed to PDP stakeholders to seize fire. He told them to stop the brick-bracks. Without mentioning names, he told them to stop the onslaught against Wike. Atiku obviously had in mind Lamido and former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu when he gave the warning.

However, on Friday when Wike arrived from London where his Camp met with Tinubu, Obi (accompanied by former President Olusegun Obasanjo) in the presence of the Camp Wike PDP Governors of Abia (Okezie Ikpeazu), Benue ( Samuel Ortom), Oyo ( Seyi Makinde), Wike could not resist taking another dig at Lamido.

Addressing the Press at the Port Harcourt International Airport, in the company of Ortom and Ikpeazu, both of whom had spoken before him, Wike poked at Lamido.

He refrained from mentioning Lamido by name, but it was obvious who he was referring to.

In very strong words, Wike condemned those who, after being Governors for eight years, nominate their sons to also run for the same seat. He talked about former Governors who nominated their sons to go to the Senate. And he talked about somebody whose educational qualification is only Primary six, but who ended up as Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister.

Wike:  “Never mind some people who do not believe in the existence of this country. Some people who are just interested in their own. Some people who only know how to produce their own children as Governors or members of the National Assembly. It is only in this part of the world.

“A man finishes to be Governor, and have his own son again to be Governor. This is part of the crisis we are having. It is unfortunate.

These are the kind of people who say they are leaders in this country. What example are they showing as leaders of this country?

“Leadership is not about you  and your family. Leadership is also about everybody.

“Somebody finishes eight years as Governor. Somebody is bringing his own son as Governor. Somebody is bringing his own son to go to the National Assembly. It is only in this part of the world that you see this. We are talking about poverty. These are people who do not mean well for NIgeria; Nigeria cannot move well except with them.

“See, it is a country where somebody with a Primary six certificate will become a Minister of Foreign Affairs. Primary School Certificate becoming a Minister of Foreign Affairs. That tells you how bad this country has become.”

Lamido “seems guilty” of at least two of these.

Even though his educational qualifications is higher than Primary School, not a few eye brows were raised when Obasanjo appointed him Minister of Foreign Affairs. Of all the Ministers of Foreign Affairs Nigeria has had, at least, since 1999, he seems the least qualified, educationally. He attended the famous Barewa College ( 1962 -1966) and Government College, Birnin Kudu.

In the upcoming 2023 Govenorship election, Lamido’s son, Alhaji Mustapha Sule-Lamido, is the Governorship candidate of the PDP.

However some people have pointed out that Wike is not quite correct over a son vying for the seat of a Governor after his father. They point out that contrary to his submission, it happens in other parts of the world, even at the Presidential level.

In the United States of America, for example, George W. Bush, became the President after his father, George H.Bush, had been President. George Bush Snr. had also been a Vice President.

And, after George Bush jnr’s two-term tenure, his younger brother,  Jeb, who was a Governor, also aspired to be President, but failed. At l  a point, both George Bush jnr. and  Jeb Bush were State Governors of Texas and Florida, respectively.

It is to be seen if Atiku’s warning to all Parties will prevail. For now, Wike and his camp have not publicly said they would work for Atiku’s victory in the 2023 Presidential election.

Nigeria, Cameroon To End Frequent Border Clashes

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Nigeria and Cameroon Border

By Ayodele Oni

In a bid to find a lasting solution to frequent border clashes, Nigeria and Cameroon officials have again met in Abuja.

At the parley, Federal Government  expressed determination that in no distant time, the areas of border disagreement between Nigeria and Cameroon would be resolved amicably.

The leader of the Nigerian delegation, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN made this known at the 34th session of the Camaroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC) held in Abuja.

“Nigeria is committed to the quick and successful execution of the mandates of the Mixed Commission,” Malami said, noting that areas of disagreement have been reduced to just three.

He called on the experts to “embrace pragmatism in order to reach consensus in all the three areas of disagreement,” hoping that “amicable solutions would be found as soon as possible to enable the work be completed.”

At the session, Nigeria and Government of Republic of Cameroon have shown commitment to work closely with parties to identify and encourage the implementation of trans-border infrastructural project to enhance the economic cooperation and the integration of the two countries and the west African region.

The Mixed Commission recommended that the two parties finalized the agreement on the joint exploitation of the hydrocarbon along the maritime border.

A Comminique issued at the end of the session noted that the parties involved did not have same understanding of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) judgment on the course of the boundary on localities of Rhoumski, Pillar 8 and Koja.

The Mixed Commission agreed to table discussion on the matter to the ICJ for clarification of its decision.

The two countries commended the sub-commission on Demarcation and the Joint Technical Team for reaching an agreement on the course of the boundary in Mabas village and the project steering committee and the technical monitoring team for successful construction of additional 327 pillars in Alantika mountains, which has been endorsed by Mixed Commission.

The Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission was established pursuant to the Joint Communique adopted at a summit in Geneva on 15th November, 2002.

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