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PDP Crisis: Relief For Secondus As Dep. Nat. Pub. Sec, Odeyemi Withdraws Resignation Letter

By
Ayodele Oni
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Diran Odeyemi

By Ayodele Oni

National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, is swimming in calmer waters this Thursday than Tuesday and yesterday, Wednesday. The coup against him which was meant to throw him out of office has been foiled.

Wednesday morning, it all seemed that he already lost the battle to remain the Chairman of the main opposition.

The coup which had long been in the pipeline, an alleged baby of a Governor, seemed all good to go when seven members of the National Executive Committee, NEC, in one fell swoop, resigned from their offices. This was quickly followed by the dumping of the party by a Board of Trustees member, Senator Joy Emordi in preference to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

However, by Wednesday evening, all organs of the party had been activated to broker peace – BOT, Elders’ Forum, Governors Forum and more. And Secondus rallied round to fight back, putting the blame on an unnamed ambitious Governor who is wasting public money to oust him.

But a meeting of the BOT, held Thursday, seems to have finally brokered peace.

One of those who resigned on Tuesday, Prince Diran Odeyemi, has withdrawn his resignation letter.

In a letter to the Secretary of the Party on Thursday, Odeyemi, who had accused Secondus of incompetence, pledged to work with him for the progress and success of the party.

Following is his letter withdrawing his resignation.

“I write to withdraw my letter of Resignation as the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of our great party.

“This decision is taken in view of the activation of the internal method of resolving issues by our leaders across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

“I also wish to state expressly that whatever embarrassment the resignation has caused the party, its leaders, members and supporters is highly regretted.

“Most importantly, in view of the fact that the tenure of myself and other members of the present National Working Committee (NWC) will expire in another three months, it is my view that the boat should not be rocked under any guise.

“Consequently, I pledge my loyalty and commitment to the party and the Prince Uche Secondus led NWC, and will continue to play my roles to ensure a successful National Convention, which will usher in new national officers.

“May God endow our leaders with wisdom to navigate the ship of the party to a safe harbour. Amen.”

It is not known yet if the other six who resigned, along with him, will withdraw their own letters of resignation. It seems most likely.

The Party’s National Convention is in three months time.

2023: CNPP Calls For New Opposition Party, Slams PDP

By
The Source
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Chief Willy Ezugwu

Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has called for a more virile opposition party in the country, saying the country’s main opposition party; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has failed in that duty.

The CNPP in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, noted that “unless a virile opposition party evolves ahead of the 2023 general elections, the country will have to return to a one party system, which is very unhealthy for our democracy.

“Evidently, we are gradually returning to the dark days of one party state before the All Progressives Congress (APC) and their allies metamorphosed into a strong opposition party and gave Nigerians an alternative party platform in 2015.

“The APC has been in power for six years but the lives of the ordinary person are not getting better, increasing the yarning for a new strong opposition party as possible choice against the ruling APC and the PDP.

“Rule of law has become a big challenge as the APC government has jettisoned that basic ingredient of democracy and have continued to manipulate democratic processes and have refused to obey several court orders in the last six years.

“So many valid court judgments have been disregarded by the APC with instances of the party’s failure to abide by its own party constitution in many instances till the recent Supreme Court verdict on its National Chairmanship position.

“We therefore call on all opposition parties in the country to come together and form alliances or mergers to provide an alternative political party platform as both PDP and the APC have failed the masses of Nigeria as main opposition party and ruling party controlling both the executive and the legislature.

“Obviously, the PDP under Uche Secondus’ leadership has failed to convince Nigerian electorates and the masses that the party is ready to provide itself as alternative in 2023 as even its Board of Trustees member just defected to the ruling APC”, the CNPP noted.

Former Senate Presidents, Mark, Ayu, Anyim, Wabara, Others wade into PDP crisis, Assure Early Resolution

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

There seems to be an end to the current logjam within the opposition People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) as some elders have initiated moves that will bring back peace into the party.

Feelers from Abuja on Thursday indicate that a former Senate President David Mark is leading other 27 elders to broker peace among warring parties.

The crisis, has led to resignation of seven members of the National Working Committee,(NWC), while three governors decamped to the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC) and of late, a member of the Board of Trustees, (BOT).

The elders have promised to meet with all warring parties, including PDP Governors, the Board of Trustees, and the NWC to find lasting solutions to the fundamental matters arising, while suing for peace among members.

The 28 wise elders made the plea in a statement which they jointly signed in Abuja.

The elders are ex-Senate Presidents, David Mark, Anyim Pius Anyim and Adolphus Wabara; former Deputy Senate President Ibrahim Mantu; former Deputy Speaker Austin Opara; ex-Minister Jerry Gana; ex-Governors Sule Lamido, Ibrahim Danmkwambo, and former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

Others are ex-National Chairman, Okwesilieze Nwodo; ex-Ministers Odion Ugbesa and Hajiya Zainab Maina, Senators Biodun Olujimi and Zainab Kure, a former National Chairman of PDP Sen. Ahmed Makarfi; a former Chief of Staff Mike Ogiadomhe; Senate Minority Leader Eyinnaya Abaribe; Sen. Helen Esuene; Sen. Agboola Hosea and Hajiya Adiza Adodo.

The statement said: “In view of recent developments at the National Secretariat of our great party, we have resolved to issue this press statement urging all party organs, party officers and party members to remain calm, faithful and orderly, as we proceed with urgent consultations and initiatives to resolve the contending issues.

“We wish to firmly reassure aggrieved stakeholders that we intend to be thorough, objective, creative, and balanced in our efforts to find lasting solutions to the fundamental matters arising.

“Towards this end, we have initiated moves to urgently meet with our Governors, the Board of Trustees, the National Working Committee, and other critical stakeholders.

“Since we all share the legitimate desires of our loyal members to offer a credible, effective and productive alternative, we have no doubt that we shall soon find positive, appropriate, pragmatic, and lasting solutions to the problems facing the party.

“We shall emerge from this crisis stronger, better, and more united. This is only a temporary challenge.

“We assure all Nigerians that the Peoples Democratic Party is resolute in providing qualitative leadership, sound programs, effective implementation strategies, and hope generating solutions to our national problems.

“On behalf of the elders and founding fathers of the Peoples Democratic Party, we wish to use this medium to thank all Party Members and supporters across Nigeria and in diaspora for their commitment, loyalty and strong support.”

Two Fake Police Officers, 656 Bags Of Cannabis, In NDLEA Cell In Ondo

By
Ayodele Oni
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NDLEA Seizure

By Ayodele Oni

It was harvest season for Officials of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) and Military in Ondo State in the last two days as they made a seizure of 656 bags of Cannabis in different locations.

During the operation, the military at a check point in Akoko area of the state, arrested two fake policemen.

The NDLEA, which launched its operations at a border town between Ondo and Edo states swooped on a warehouse where 524 bags of weeds suspected to be Indian Hemp were discovered.

The Ondo State Command of the NDLEA explained that a warehouse where 524 bags of cannabis sativa, popularly called Indian hemp were found was at Egbeta,  the boundary of Ondo and Edo states.

The operation which was carried out early hours of Wednesday, also led to the arrest of two suspects.

The Acting State Commandant of NDLEA, Mr Callys Alumona, explained that the State is unsafe for Indian hemp cultivators and traffickers.

He said the owner of the warehouse is still at large, stressing the command is on his trail.

In another operation in different parts of the state, Soldiers of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, intercepted 132 bags of indian hemp which street worth was put at N5.8m.

The bags were intercepted separately at locations where the Brigade mounted check points such as Omotosho, along Benin-Ore highway and Isua in Akiko area.

At the Omotosho military check point, 82 bags of indian hemp being conveyed by dealers were abandoned in two SUVs, and ash coloured Toyota Sequila.

Suspected owners reportedly took to their heels and escaped into a nearby bush, abandoning their wares.

In Isua, two suspects, dressed in police camouflage were caught wtih 50 bags of indian hemp at the Military checkpoint.

Names of the suspects were given as Nze Ezenwa aged 55 years and Mr Stephen Sunday aged 35 years.

They were said to be on their way to deliver the goods to one Seriki in Abuja in a white coloured Toyota Sienna mini-bus marked RBC 334 BG.

Officer Commanding, Military Police, Emontimi Konte Cleopas, who spoke to newsmen after handing over the suspects and exhibits to officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said the suspects were masked and dressed in Nigeria Police pullover.

Promote National Unity And Integration – NYSC DG Charges Youth Corps Members

By
Ayodele Oni
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Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim

By Ayodele Oni

Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC), Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim has reminded Corps members that their services to the nation transcends beyond service year.

The DG stated this while addressing the 2021 Batch ‘B’ (Stream 1) corps members during a virtual meeting on Thursday.

General Ibrahim charged the   corps members to always remember the last line of the Oath of Allegiance sworn to during the swearing in ceremony and abide by it.

He equally wanted corps members to live with the reality embedded in the said portion which says ‘always remember the motto and strive continuously to live up the ideals of the National Youth Service Corps during and after my service year.’

“My dear children in the national service, I am addressing you this morning as a father and Director General of NYSC.

“You have to use your participation in this laudable programme to promote national unity and integration. The Government at all levels have invested much in you and you have to be patriotic.

“The four cardinal programmes of the National Youth Service Corps are designed to make you a responsible and diligent individual during and after the service year. This is why we stress much on discipline and I want you to be on the right side of the law always.”

The NYSC boss added that  corps members should remain good ambassadors of their respective families and institutions they graduated from as “any untoward act will have negative effects on the family and the citadel of learnings.

“I want to admonish you not to cut corners and desist from offering or taking bribe as both persons are liable in the court of law. NYSC keeps records and any negative thing you do today will hunt you in the nearest future.

“NYSC has continuously been building for leadership, crop of disciplined, honest and detribalised Nigerians who are well groomed and cerebral right from the orientation camp and indeed throughout the service year and beyond to ensure that the unity of this country is sacrosanct and non negotiable”.

He further warned that corps members should desist from embarking on night journeys as this is extremely dangerous for them, and brings negative publicity to the Scheme when unforeseen circumstances happen.

“I commiserate with the NYSC, State Governments and families of the five prospective corps members who lost their precious lives recently and I pray such will never happen again.

“However, I wish to let you know that the unfortunate incident occurred late into the night but I am using the opportunity provided by this address to reiterate our commitment to providing adequate security and welfare to all our corps members nationwide.

“At this juncture, I want to emphasise that you should take your personal security and well-being seriously.

“NYSC loves you just like your parents do. There is no harm in taking the vaccination. Ensure that you take COVID -19 vaccine to protect yourselves and others around you because the nation wants you alive.

“Disregard all the fallacies that the social media is churning out concerning the effects of the vaccination. I have taken the two jabs likewise all the officers that are travelling to the camps with me.

“We don’t want to keep you perpetually at home and that is why the Federal Government is investing to protect you right at the point of entering the service and indeed throughout the service year”.

The NYSC helmsman enjoined corps members to use social media to promote the objectives and advance the cause of the Scheme.

“Don’t promote fake news or forward every news or reports sent to you without verification but use it to promote our national unity.

“You are expected to use the platform to preach unity and love and not to use it to discredit the activities of the Scheme.

“NYSC has various social media handles and accounts you can use to verify all that you need to know about NYSC but if you go against this advice, you will be culpable for your action.”

PDP Crisis: Wike Storms BOT Emergency Meeting; Unsettles Party; As Atiku, APC Deny Hand In Crisis

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Nyesom Wike

…APC Denies Involvement

By Akinwale Kasali

With every organ in the  People’s Democratic Party, PDP, scramnling to arrest the ship of the party which is caught up in a strong storm, attendees to one of the meetings called to find a way out were unsettled when Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike stormed the venue ot the meeting.

The crisis in the party was escalated on Tuesday, August 3rd, when seven members of the National Executive Council, resigned from their offices, alleging incompetence on the part of the Chairman, Uche Secondus.

Their resignation was followed by that of Senator Joy Emordi, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, BOT, who dumped the party on Wednesday for the All Progressives Congress, APC

At a well attended meeting of the BOT on Thursday, many were at once surprised and unsettled when Wike made an appearance, unannounced.

It is not known if he was specially invited to the meeting, as Governors are not BOT Members. If he was, it is not unconnected with his alleged role in the crisis rocking the  party. He is accused  of leading the planned ouster of the Chairman from office.

On Wednesday, Secondus fought back, stopping just short of mentioning Wike’s name and role in the

Wike according to sources walked into the National Executive Committee (NEC) Hall where the meeting was being held when the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus was delivering his opening address.

Many eyes turned to behold the arrival of the Governor who promptly took his seat among the attendees.

The PDP Chairman and Wike have been at loggerheads, with speculations and allegations  that Wike mastermind plot to remove him from office.

In anther development,  Presidential Candidate at the 2019 polls,  Atiku Abubakar, denied any involvement in the plans to oust Secondus from office as the National Chairman of the Party. The two men met in Porthacourt, Rivers State to discuss party affairs. Shortly after their meeting the crisis boiled over. This forced many to assume that both men planned Secondus’ ouster at the meeting.

But Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, on Wednesday, described the allegation as a product of “beer parlour talk”, adding that he could not have participated in any move to unseat Secondus when he had been encouraging genuine reconciliation in the PDP.

He clarified that that his trip to Rivers had same motive with that of Delta, pointing out that consultation for genuine peace and repositioning of the main opposition party were the key objectives.

The spokesman stated: “It is a beer parlour talk, it is also a mischief. Why will a former Vice President be behind the plot to sack PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus? What will be his interest?

“Someone, who has commenced the process of having conversations with stakeholders of the party on reconciliation. A man, who has encouraged processes aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the party cannot be linked to that kind of plot.

“He made the trip to Port Harcourt, similar one to Delta. And he has more in the offing. Why will he promote peace and stability in the party and be behind moves to sack Secondus? It’s ridiculous for anyone to talk about this.”

Atiku said he understood the PDP Constitution and what the party said about tenure for party leadership, adding that he could not be working against something he understands and promotes.

The PDP has been battling with gale of defections with Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, Prof. Ben Ayade of Cross River State and Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State all joining the APC.

The APC also distanced itself from the crisis befalling the leading opposition Party.

According to APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, “Our party is not responsible for the  crisis in the PDP”.

He also dispelled claims that they were wooing the seven national officers into its fold.

Jaiz Bank Records N820m Profit in 12 Months

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By Fola James

The managing Director of Jaiz Bank, Hassan Usman says the Islamic bank will maintain profitable results for the rest of the year 2021 financial year.

The bank’s chief executive disclosed this after declaring over 70 per cent growth in Profit After Tax, PAT, from N1.17 billion declared in June 2020 to N1.99 billion at the end of June 2021. This amounts to N820 million in 12 months.

Usman said the bank has leveraged on its positive outing in 2020 where it recorded a profit before tax of N3.07 billion, despite the COVID 19 pandemic headwind. The bank had earlier posted N5.99 billion for the first quarter of the year.

Speaking on the results Usman said his bank “is committed to maintaining the remarkable earnings streak for the rest of the year by leveraging on technology and the expansion of its retail banking portfolio.”

According to the financial results released by the Nigerian Exchange, NGX the bank’s profit after tax rose by 70.1 per cent growth to N1.9bn in the first half of 2021 from N1.17bn in the same period of 2020.

A statement by the bank said it grew profit by over 70 per cent within the last six months of the year.

The statement titled, ‘Jaiz Bank grows half-year profit by over 70 per cent,” said  “Financial results of Jaiz Bank Plc for the second quarter which ended on 31st June 2021 was released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, showing a 70.6 per cent growth in profit after tax, from N1.17bn declared in June 2020 to N1.99bn at the end of June 2021.”

It further disclosed that the bank’s total income for the period under review grew by 42.1 per cent from N6.23bn as at end of June 2020 to N8.86bn at the end of June 2021.

The bank’s earnings per share for the period under review jumped from 3.89 kobo in the first quarter of 2020 to 6.78 kobo at the end first quarter of 2021, indicating a 70.3 per cent increase.

The statement said the positive result is an assurance to customers and shareholders that the bank remained the leading non-interest bank in the country.

$11bn Rail Projects To Benefit 10 States

By
Bayo Bernard
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0
Lagos-Ibadan Rail Line

By Tosin Olatokunbo

No few than 10 states will benefit from the $11 billion federal government rail project which was approved by the Federal Executive Council, FEC on Wednesday.

The decision comes on the crest of a comment, by the Minister of Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola earlier in the week, that one of the major policy thrusts of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is to use rail transportation to lift 100 million out of poverty.

According to the details from the meeting the project is expected to cover major capitals and towns, in at least 10 states in the southern parts of the country.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed said the project would run from Lagos to Shagamu, Shagamu to Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Ode to Ore, Ore to Benin City, Benin to Sapele, Sapele to Warri, Warri to Yenagoa.

It will also cover Yenagoa to Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt to Aba, Aba to Uyo, Uyo to Calabar, Calabar to Akamkpa to Ikom, to Obudu Ranch; with a branch line from Benin City to Asaba, Onitsha Bridge and Port Harcourt to Onne Deep Seaport.

The FEC which was presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo approved the project, though the council did not mention how funds for the project will be sourced.

Mohammed, said after the meeting that the Cuncil accepted two memos to expand and consolidate on the ongoing rail projects.

Mohammed said, “The first one actually has to do with the Kano-Jibia rail and then the other one has to do with the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri route.

“Actually, what was approved there today was funding to ensure that work starts immediately on those two routes. Another memo that was approved today was the ratification of the President’s approval for the award of the contract for the Lagos-Calabar coastal standard gauge rail.

“You’ll remember that this is a very old project which we inherited. Under the former administration, an approval was given, but nothing was done. Today, the council has given approval to commence the Lagos-Calabar coastal route,” Mohammed said.

The minister noted that the project is critical to the economic development plan of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Lai disclosed that the route was critical because after the Lagos-Kano route, the Lagos-Calabar coastal route would link all coastal cities in Nigeria, adding that that the project would cost $11.17bn.

“This particular project is very important, especially for our coastal economy. The cost of the project is $11,174,769,721.74 and we have six years for the completion of this project,” Mohammed said.

MURIC Threatens President Buhari To Declare August 9 Public Holiday, Or Face Wrath Of Allah

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Controversial Islamic Group, Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has called on the Federal Government to recognize and declare Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, every first day of the Islamic calendar as a holiday, or be ready to face punishment from Allah.

MURIC, in a statement signed by its founder and Executive Director, Prof Ishaq Akintola, said Muslims in Nigeria will join their fellow faithful around the world to mark Hijrah Day on Monday 9th August, 2021 being the first day of the Islamic year.

Akintola lamented that the Federal Government had ignored several calls and demands being made by Islamic organisations in the country to declare this day as holiday, hence, President Buhari will face the wrath of Allah if he fails to do the needful.

The Islamic human rights group said it has decided to amplify the demand this year as the date approaches.

“We are calling on all state governors who are Muslims to identify with this noble, peaceful and divinely rewarding struggle by declaring this coming Monday (9th August, 2021) as Hijrah Day holiday.

“Members of state executives (commissioners, chairmen of agencies, etc) who are Muslims have a duty to bring this to the attention of state governors as a matter of urgency.

“Also, chairmen of local governments who are Muslims should encourage and support Islamic organisations and schools within their jurisdiction to organise events to mark the Day.

“On the other hand, Muslims in public offices who fail to promote it will have questions to answer before Allah yaom al-Qiyamah because they will have to explain why they abandoned their faith and their fellow Muslims for worldly gains,” it said.

The Group  called on Muslims in public offices to not only be conversant with their religion but be bold enough to practice, manifest and seek to entrench it among fellow Muslims.

Uzodinma Gives FUTO Back Its Allocated Land

By
The Source
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0
Hope Uzodimma - FUTO Land

Communities which are hosts to the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO, and which have been infiltrating on the lands allocated to the University had better back off. That will no longer be tolerated as every inch of  the land will be back to the owners FUTO

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma gave this  assurance to the authorities of the Federal University and assured them that the  institution will enjoy unchallenged access to the parcel of land allocated to it 40 years ago by Government.

Governor Uzodimma, therefore, promised to work with the institution to remove all encumbrances that will militate against its expansion and service to the society as envisaged by the founding fathers many years ago.

According to the Governor’s Special Adviser/ Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, the governor spoke on Wednesday when he paid an official visit to FUTO, particularly with regard to reports of festering issue of land allocated to the school and intruders.

Governor Uzodimma told the Principal Officers of the university that he was in the school to have first-hand information of what the problems are and to “ensure that all the encumbrances are removed and the school protected.”

The Governor reiterated that his visit was to “ensure that the school has unchallenged access to original allocation made to the school long ago,” noting that, like his predecessors,  he will want to see that “the land allocated to FUTO is sustained and left for them.”

To achieve the above, the Governor sought for a united front and encouraged the institution to work in tandem with the objectives of the founding fathers.

Governor Uzodimma also informed that  he was happy to hear that the Medical School of FUTO is becoming a reality.

His words: “We are very jubilant and it is a thing of joy to note that the Medical School of the Federal University of Technology Owerri has become a reality.  It is, therefore, our responsibility to encourage the management to put in their best in sustaining the achievement so far made.”

While promising to support the University to protect and sustain the land allocation to it, the Governor urged the Vice Chancellor and the Management to ensure “regular and full tax remittances to the State Government as at when due.”

He further urged members of the Management to do their best to build perimeter fence as a way to protect the School from external aggression and interference.

He noted: “We want the school to be a complete University Community, where all the faculties including the Medical School and the Teaching Hospital are all in the same University Community.”

Welcoming the Governor and his entourage earlier at the FUTO Senate Building, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mrs. Nnenna Oti expressed gratitude that the Governor visited them to have first hand information of the university’s challenges.

She pledged to sustain the school’s commitment to the society, particularly as regards corporate social responsibility, by ensuring that the University pays its taxes regularly.

She also committed to a peaceful coexistence between the university, the students and the host communities.

The Governor and his entourage later visited the disputed boundaries of the allocated land.

Governor  Uzodimma was accompanied on the visit by the Deputy Governor of the State,  Prof. Placid Njoku, Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abutu Yaro, the Imo State Director of Security Services and members of the State Executive Council.

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