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Presidency Slams Atiku For Saying Tinubu’s Govt Worse Than ‘Military Dictatorship’

January 29, 2026

The Nigerian Presidency has slammed a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar over his remark that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is worse than military dictatorship. It’s wrong for the former vice president to make such remark when he’s enjoying democratic freedom under the administration, which is not available under the military regime.

The Special Adviser to the President, Media and Communications, Sunday Dare made the assertion on his verified X page on Wednesday in response to Abubabar, who on Tuesday during a book presentation in Abuja, the nation’s capital berated the All Progressives Congress, APC administration of President Tinubu for adopting a military-styled leadership in the country.

The book “The Loyalist” is authored by Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

“Not even the military dictatorships before 1999 damaged our national life and consciousness in the way this administration has done,” Abubakar noted, urging the ADC “to rescue the country from what I consider the worst administration I have witnessed in nearly four decades of political life.”

Slamming the former vice president for the remark, the presidential spokesman said Abubakar was trying to distort history by comparing the Tinubu’s administration with the military era when many Nigerians were “ jailed, exiled, or killed under decrees and firing squads.”

Dare warned Abubakar to stop insulting the memory of Nigerians describing the ‘dictatorship” remark as absurd, saying the former vice president is angry because he has failed to rule the country after failing to win the presidential election four times, adding that it’s abnormal for the former number two citizen of the country to compare a democratic government with a military regime.

Dare’s Post read: “For a man who once occupied the office of Vice President under a constitutional democracy, Atiku Abubakar’s persistent inability—or refusal—to distinguish between democratic governance and military dictatorship is no longer ironic; it is alarming. His claim at the ADC event that Nigeria under Bola Ahmed Tinubu is worse than military rule was not a gaffe but a willful distortion of history and further slide into senile dementia. It insults the memory of Nigerians jailed, exiled, or killed under decrees and firing squads so that men like Atiku could enjoy today’s freedoms. To sanitize that era simply because he is now a serial electoral loser reveals a conscience corroded by desperation.

“The absurdity of Atiku’s ‘dictatorship’ narrative collapses under minimal scrutiny. In the same republic he brands tyrannical, he moves freely, convenes political meetings at will, grants interviews, and attacks the President daily—under full constitutional protection. These are liberties military regimes extinguished without hesitation. For Atiku to sit comfortably in Abuja, shielded by democratic rights, while romanticizing the “efficiency” of military rule is not dissent; it is cognitive dissonance bordering on historical vandalism.

“This is not a one-off lapse but a chronic condition. Atiku has perfected post-election grievance, recasting himself every four years as the chief mourner of his own defeats. He conveniently forgets the era when dissent meant exile or death—perhaps because he was insulated by elite privilege. By equating the economic adjustments of the Renewed Hope reforms with military repression, he exposes the truth: his only ideology is unfulfilled ambition. If he cannot rule, he would rather delegitimize the democracy that rejected him.

“One must ask whether the Waziri of Adamawa believes his own rhetoric or if this is the flailing of a man watching his relevance evaporate. To argue that a ballot-produced government is worse than one imposed by bullets is reckless and corrosive. It insults the legacy of June 12 and flirts dangerously with democratic sabotage. His constant cries of “tyranny,” even as he shops endlessly for new party platforms, only highlight his terminal hypocrisy—devotion to democratic benefits, contempt for democratic outcomes.”

The presidential aide urged Abubakar to start behaving as a statesman when making comments on the state of the nation, instead of inflammatory remarks capable of causing chaos in the country.

“At this stage, Atiku Abubakar is less an elder statesman than a cautionary tale. Having exhausted ideas and credibility, he has descended into inflammatory exaggeration, hoping chaos might succeed where voters have repeatedly said no. If he truly longs for the “order” of military rule, he should explain why he spent decades masquerading as a democrat. Nigeria has moved on. His cognitive dissonance is no longer a national issue—it is a personal implosion unfolding in public.”

Former APC National Chair, Oyegun Heads ADC Manifesto Drafting Cmte

James Orji

January 29, 2026

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has set up a 50-member committee to draft its Manifesto as part of the ongoing efforts by the party’s leadership to position the party as a major opposition party ahead the next year’s election.

The committee headed by a former governor of Edo state and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC John Oyegun also comprises selected persons and politicians from across the country.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party Bolaji Abdullahi, who made the announcement on Wednsday in Abuja, the nation’s capital said the committee has been saddled with the task of drafting a people-oriented manifesto for good governance in the country, and also present the ADC as a credible alternative ahead the next general election.

Other members of the Committee, according to the ADC spokesman include seasoned economics and former presidential candidate, Prof Pat Utomi, who’s to serve as Vice Chairman, Salihu Lukman, a former National Secretary of the APC who he said will served as the committee’s Secretary.

The committee’s members also include Senator Gershon Bassey, Senator J.J. Akpan Udo-Udeghe, Ambassador Abiye Mohammed, H.E. Simon Achuba, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, Bala Usman, Bulus Piko, Ose Anenih, and others.

Abdullahi said: “The committee was approved by the National Chairman of the ADC, His Excellency, Senator David Mark, in line with the party’s commitment to building a credible, people-centred, and forward-looking policy framework for national governance,” the statement read.

“The Policy and Manifesto Committee brings together a distinguished group of Nigerians drawn from diverse backgrounds, including former public office holders, academics, technocrats, policy experts, civil society leaders, and professionals. Collectively, they represent a wealth of experience in governance, economic management, social development, security, and democratic reform.

The committee, the ADC spokesperson stated, is set to be inaugurated on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the Conference Hall of the ADC National Secretariat in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Iyabo Obasanjo Joins APC, Completes Ward Registration

Adesina Soyooye

January 29, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

A daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Professor Iyabo Obasanjo, is back to active politics. Confirmation: She has joined the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Her membership of the APC took many unawares. Fiercely independent, it is not known if she consulted his father before she joined the Party.

However, a former Chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government Area, Biodun Ajayi, reportedly the former First Daughter’s close ally, confirmed that Professor Obasanjo completed her e-registration at Ibogun Ward 11, Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

“I can confirm that Prof Iyabo Obasanjo completed her online registration as a member of our great party, the APC, on Tuesday at Ibogun Ward 11, in Ifo Local Government Area,” Ajayi said.

While his father was in office as President, Iyabo was of the same Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP with him. She was at a point, the Commissioner for Health, Ogun State, under the Gbenga Daniel Administration, and also a former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Born on 27 April 1967, Professor Obasanjo is an academic, and an epidemiologist.

She was married to Akeem Bello, 1999 -2003, and they have an only son, Jimi Bello.

Recall that Abba, son of Obasanjo’s Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, penultimate week, dumped the PDP and defected to the APC, shunning his father’s new Party, the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

APC Govs, NWC Approve Convention Timetable

James Orji

January 29, 2026

The Progressive Governors Forum, PGF, has approved the time table for the party’s forthcoming Ward, Local Government, State, Zonal Congresses, and the National Convention slated for March this year.

The party had last year unveiled a broad timetable for National Convention coming up in less than three months. The plan has already been approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

In a communique read by the Chairman of PGF, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state after a meeting held in the governor’s Abuja Lodge, Uzodinma said the governors under the banner of the party has agreed to foster unity, transparency and accountability within the party.

The magazine reports that the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, members of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC and APC governors attended the meeting. .

The governors include Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo;Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang; Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani; Kebbi State Governor Mohammed Idris; Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru; Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu; ; Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia; Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas; Eno; Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo, among others.

2 party’s proposed timetable and institutional framework as approved by NEC for the forthcoming Ward, Local Government, State, Zonal Congresses, and the National Convention..

According to Governor Uzodinma, the PGF used the occassion to welcome some governors who recently defected to the party, saying all the governors agreed to work together to advance the party’s interest by deepening internal democracy, and promote inclusiveness across all party levels.

Part of the communique: “The PGF welcomed the comprehensive briefing by the APC National Chairman on the Party’s ongoing national e-registration and digital membership update, which has recorded significant growth, including increased youth participation and the integration of National Identity Number verification. The Forum noted that this initiative will enhance data-driven planning, improve demographic insights, and strengthen grassroots engagement across states and communities.

“The Forum reviewed and endorsed the proposed timetable and institutional framework as approved by NEC for the forthcoming Ward, Local Government, State, Zonal Congresses, and the National Convention.

“The Forum emphasised the importance of transparent and coordinated financial management in the conduct of congresses and conventions, ensuring fairness, consistency, and accountability across all states, including those without APC-governed administrations.”

Reno Omokri: “Yes, I Publicly Called Tinubu Drug Baron, But I Publicly Withdrew It”

Adesina Soyooye

January 28, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

An Ambassador-designate, Reno Omokri, has admitted that he called President Bola Tinubu a drug dealer, but added that on finding out the truth, he publicly withdrew what he said.

Omokri was reacting to what happened at a Federal High Court Abuja on Tuesday during the prosecution of Omoleye Sowore by the Department of State Services,DSS, for calling President Tinubu a criminal.

His Lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, had asked the DSS prosecutor, Cyril Nosike, why Sowore is being prosecuted by the DSS while the same DSS cleared Omokri who had painted Tinubu in worse colours than Sowore for appointment as an Ambassador.

Trouble started when Sowore Abubakar pulled a surprise by presenting a video footage which showed Omokri making damaging statements against Tinubu on national television. No legal action was taken against Omokri. So, why Sowore?, Abubakar asked.

One of the clips showed Omokri, in 2023, when during a 2023 ARISE News interview claimed he was in possession of court documents from the United States of America, allegedly linked the President to drug-related offences.

His words: “Bola Tinubu is a known drug lord. I have documents to prove it.”

In another clip Omokri emphasized he would never align politically with Tinubu.

Sowere’s Lawyer, Abubakar used that as a peg to question why the DSS later cleared Omokri for an ambassadorial appointment despite those statements, while Sowore is facing prosecution for calling the President a “criminal” online.

The DSS witness had no respond for that. He said he could not explain that.

But Omokri, in a statement on Wednesday, admitted that truly, he called then candidate Tinubu a drug baron but that he publicly withdrew the allegation. Therefore, he said, Sowore cannot use a statement he had publicly withdrawn as an excuse in his own case.

His words: “With regards to the claims made by Mr Omoyele Sowore and his Counsel, Mr Abubakar Marshal, in Court on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, I do freely admit that I did make uncomplimentary remarks about the then Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress while believing those comments to be true at the time I uttered them.

“Subsequent to making those statements, I discovered that they were not, in fact, true, and I publicly withdrew them in writing and on video at various times and through multiple platforms.”

Omokri has since become Tinubu’s number one admirer and defender.

Bandits Ambush Police Patrol, Kill Four, Seriously Injure Two

Suleiman Anyalewechi

January 28, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Four Police Officers were reportedly killed in Funtua area of Katsina State on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 following an attack by banditry elements.

The attack which was launched at about 12 :45 pm also led to two other officers sustaining serious injuries.

According to witness accounts, the suspected terrorists ambushed and opened fire on a police van carrying the personnel from 27 Police Mobile Force PMF ,who where on a routine patrol duty.

While Abubakar Abdullahi ASP, Umar Ahmed, an Inspector, Sergeant Kailani and another officer lost their lives, two others- Corporals Daniel Japet and Abdulaziz Sani sustained gunshot injuries.

While confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Katsina State Police Command Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, informed that the police officers were taken unawares, with the terrorists opening fire suddenly.

The suspected terrorists reportedly demobilized the police patrol van, forced it off the road, before capturing the affected officers.

A Police source said the victims were shot at close range by their captors, who later fled with the dead officers official rifles , including an AK-47 with about 30 rounds of ammunition ,a Tokarev pistol loaded with eight rounds and a long-range rifle.

Aliyu further informed that security has been enhanced for the purpose of securing the affected area ,as well as tracking down the perpetrators.

This is as he explained that the corpses of the victims have been deposited at the mortuary of General Hospital in Funtua ,for autopsy , while the injured are currently receiving medical attention.

The Source further reports that the attack is coming amidst intense controversy surrounding the planned release from detention of no fewer than 70 suspected terrorist elements by the Katsina state authorities.

To Declare Wike APC Leader In Rivers State Is Affront To The President National Leadership – Chukwuemeka Eze

Suleiman Anyalewechi

January 28, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Rivers State Chief Chukwuemeka Eze has rejected claims suggesting that the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister Nyesom Wike, is the leader of the party in the State.

Chief Eze, a former factional chairman of APC in the State, described as totally “misleading and inconsequential” the statement credited to former Senator that represented Rivers South East at the National Assembly , Magnus Abe to the effect that Wike is the leader of the APC in Rivers State.

The Source reports that Senator Abe, who was recently nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Chairman of the Board of Nigeria mainstream and downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency NMDPRA, had, last week during the APC primaries to select candidates for the bye-election to fill the vacant positions in Khana 2 and Ahoada East state Constituencies, insisted that the FCT Minister is the leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda Family in Rivers state .

According to him, Wike’s leadership position in the APC and in Rivers state in general has never been in contention.

Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike

His comments came on the heels of the recognition of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the APC in Rivers state by the Presidency and the National leadership of the party.

Speaking separately, the National Secretary of the APC Ajibola Bashir , and Presidential spokesperson Inuwa Bwala had not only maintained that Governor Fubara, going by existing protocols, remains the leader of APC in Rivers State, but also insisted that Wike is not a member of the party.

And, in a statement issued on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Chief Eze, also, emphasized that Senator Abe and the FCT Minister are not members of the APC, and as such cannot be dragging leadership position with the Governor who is already a registered party loyalist.

According to him, all available leadership positions within a given political association are reserved for only recognized members of the party.

He described as completely baseless and untenable for the duo of Wike and Senator Abe to engage in needless debate over the leadership position in a a party of which they are non-members.

“Abe left the APC in the build up to the 2023 general elections to contest the Governorship seat of Rivers State on the platform of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, where he could not secure for himself at his own polling unit 10, ward 16 ,Bera Town , Gokana LGA. And the FCT Minister, in the same vein, has remained party-less since his deserving expulsion from his former party the Peoples Democratic party PDP.

“Before this time, and during the 2023 election, the FCT Minister, who was Governor at the time, could not secure victory for his preferred presidential candidate right at his own polling unit where the Labour Party swept the poll.

“Flowing from the afore-disected ,one wonders the essence of the needless hassle over party leadership.

“As a matter of fact, the leadership of a party remains the exclusive preserve of that political association and only members can serve in the various capacities available in the party.

” By his thoughtless utterances and other idiotic indulgences with Wike, Magnus Abe has continued to be an embarrassment not only to himself, but to all those who once held him in high esteem.

” I feel very much ashamed that Magnus once a highly respected political leader from Niger Delta, suddenly no longer knows the hierarchy of a political party.

“By his declaration of Wike as Rivers state APC leader even as a non member of the party, Senator Magnus Abe has again, exposed himself to ridicule as this is an act of insubordination and affront to President Tinubu and the APC leadership.

“The APC leadership and President Tinubu have clearly declared Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the APC leader and that is it. Unless he is, like his master, Wike, also challenging the authority of President Tinubu.” Chief Eze stated.

Comrade Soweto Other Protesters Arrested Over Demolition Of Makoko Waterfront, Iyana Oworonshoki

Akinwale Kasali

January 28, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

The peaceful protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, by Lagos residents affected by the alleged demolitions of Makoko Waterfront and Iyana Oworonshoki area of the State has led to the arrest of Comrade Soweto and other leaders of the demonstration.

The protesters were dispersed by personnel of the Rapid Response Squad, Police Command with Tear Gas and Shooting of Live Bullets. That led to several persons sustaining various degrees of injuries in the process of the melee.

It was gathered that the protest was organised by the Coalition Against demolition, Forced Eviction, Land grabbing and displacement in Lagos.

This is in solidarity with victims of demolitions carried out across the state – Makoko, Iyana-Oworoonsoki, Otumara, Owode-Onirin, among others.

The protesters had gathered under the Ikeja Bridge, Awolowo Road, and marched through the highway, unto Alausa Secretariat, chanting solidarity songs, before stopping at Lagos State House of Assembly Complex.

The demonstrators displayed banners with different inscriptions calling on government to save their souls.

Some of the banners read. “Lagos is not for the rich alone: A megacity can not be built on the bones and blood of the poor: End forced eviction.”

It was gathered that as the protesters got to the Complex of the State House of Assembly, personnel of the RRS who were stationed at strategic areas blocked access to the Lagos State House at about 1.30pm. The armed security personnel were complemented by the Lagos State Taskforce.

They shot several cannisters of tear gas to disperse the surging crowd, and began shooting sporadically, allegedly, with live Bullets hitting some of the protesters.

A Police Officer who claimed anonymity stated that the Police had no option than to shoot canisters of tear gas because the protesters were getting violent.

“As a result all the entrance and exit gates into the state secretariat were hurriedly shut to prevent miscreants invasion.

“The protesters were becoming violent, that’s why we shot teargas into the air to restore order and sanity in the area,” the Police Officer stated.

Several protesters were injured during the police crackdown, although organizers have not yet released an official casualty figure.

There were blood stains on the ground around the area, confirming claims of injured persons.

A protester said, “Policemen at the scene of the ongoing protest begun shooting tear gas at us to disperse protesters. Many of us are injured in the process.

“We have been heavily teargassed at the Lagos State House of Assembly and some of us have been arrested including comrade Soweto,” another protester claimed.

Bandits Capture Commander, 13 Others, Kill Seven Soldiers During Attack On Troops

Ayodele Oni

January 28, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Military has, again, recorded serious fatality in the ongoing war against insurgency in the Northeast area of the country.

In what looks like a reprisal attack in an ambush, suspected Boko Haram terrorists killed seven Nigerian soldiers and captured 13 others, including their commanding officer, a major in Borno State.

The troops were said to be on patrol in the Damasak area around 1400 GMT on Monday, when the terrorists attacked the soldiers.

Quoting Reuters, two security sources said seven soldiers were killed, 11 soldiers managed to escape, but 13 others were captured during the gun battle.

“The major fought hard, but in the end, he was captured, and his phone was taken by Boko Haram.”

A security source who was briefed on the incident said the troops tried to call the number after they returned to their camp.

He said a Boko Haram member picked up the call and said the major and other troops were in the group’s custody.

“A man who identified himself as an ISWAP terrorist keeps answering the call to the commander’s mobile phone, suggesting he is in the hands of the terrorists.”

The sources said a military rescue team had since found the bodies of the seven dead soldiers, but had not located the missing troops.

Daily Trust however, quoted another military officer who revealed that nine soldiers were killed and over a dozen are missing after terrorists ambushed a military patrol.

“The terrorists detonated an explosive device they had planted on the road in advance, increasing the casualties and confusion among the soldiers.

“We lost nine soldiers in an ambush by ISWAP terrorists, and many others are still missing.”

Ya-Mulam Kadai, a spokesman for the government-funded anti-jihadist militia, said the military search team deployed at the scene of the attack recovered the nine bodies of the slain soldiers.

Recall that Boko Haram terrorists killed a pastor and four others in Tarfa Village, Borno State.

The terrorists invaded the community as the locals returned from farming, highlighting ongoing security challenges.

The hunters attempted to defend the community, but were overwhelmed by the terrorists’ firepower.

The military said it recovered rifles, explosives, motorcycles, and communication equipment during follow-up operations in the area.

Despite the fatality, the Army has vowed that operations would be sustained across the North-East despite recent casualties in separate clearance operations.

Abia Tackles Deputy Speaker Kalu For Demolishing Public School Without Permission

Adesina Soyooye

January 28, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

The Abia State Government has tackled the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu for demolishing a public school in the Igbere area of the State without consulting the State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.

The Government was reacting to the public claims by Kalu that he

extends hands of friendship and courtesy to Otti, and offers collaboration on development programmes and projects.

A statement on Wednesday by Ukoha Njoku, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor in denying Kalu’s claims disclosed that the Deputy Speaker “oversaw the ‘reckless’ demolition of Eluokwu Community School in Igbere, Bende LGA, a public school earmarked and awarded to a contractor for upgrade to a smart school by the state government, without consulting the relevant agencies of the state.

“Governor Otti prioritizes governance over petty politics as evident in his actions and disposition. He not only pledged support for projects attracted by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu and other Federal Lawmakers to their constituencies, the Governor has also demonstrated genuine commitment to collaboration with Hon. Kalu by generously allocating a parcel of land to the Deputy Speaker for a housing project he attracted to his constituency in the recent past,” the statement noted.

It continued:

“Specifically, the Governor allocated a large expanse of land along Umuahia-Bende Road for the Construction of a Housing Estate. Governor Otti, refusing to bow to political pressure to withhold assent, gave his express approval and the land was made available for the project as a mark of support, collaboration and goodwill.

“The Governor has consistently kept his doors open to Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, CFR. Unfortunately the latter’s actions tell a completely different story. The reckless demolition of Eluokwu Community School in Igbere, Bende LGA, a public school earmarked and awarded to a contractor for upgrade to a smart school by the State Government, without consulting the relevant agencies of the State contrasts sharply with Governor Otti’s commitment to due process when dealing with other arms of government on matters of project execution.

“The demolition of Eluokwu Community School in Igbere on the orders of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives was a deliberate affront to the State Government. It is strange that even after meeting the presence of the contractors handling the upgrade at the site, agents of the federal lawmaker still went ahead to pull down the building in flagrant disregard to all known conventions of decency. One would have thought that as a lawmaker with a good handle on the provisions of the law, Rt. Hon Kalu would have approached the State Government for an alternative location for his project, a request that the State Chief Executive, in his usual magnanimity, would have granted without hesitation.

“It is regrettable that after the demolished school was sealed by the State Government in line with the provisions of the law, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu ignored all channels of resolution within the State and ran off to Abuja to report. Expectedly, the authorities he reported to, after thorough investigation, admonished him against acting in a manner that reeks of complete disregard for due process and disrespect to the Governor.

“They advised that when next he wants to embark on such projects, appropriate approvals must be sought and secured from the relevant local authorities.

“This is the same lawful approach the Governor has repeatedly followed in the execution of several Federal Projects in the State, a standard that has seen him establish harmonious relationship with the Federal Government. Sadly, Honourable Kalu prefers drama to decorum and due process.”

Otti, Ukoha said, also, thanked Kalu for his invitation to join the APC which apparently had either been declined or ignored.

“At any rate, now that the Deputy Speaker has, in his own words, ‘shut the door,’ one may also advise that he leaves a window open should the need arise for him to use it for emergency escape or at the minimum, get some fresh air”, Ukoha advised.

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