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“Judgement Day Awaits You”, Fayose Tells Justice Okon, As Metuh Leaves Prisons |The Source

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The Source
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By Gideon Njoku

Olisa Metuh, former People’s Democratic Party’s Publicity Secretary, was released from Kuje Prisons Thursday night.

Metuh’s release is an invaluable Christmas gift to his family and friends.

Welcoming him back after an about 10 months in jail, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, told him that tough times don’t last.

Taking to his tweeter,  Fayose said: “Welcome back home Olisa Metuh. Tough times don’t last.”

And to Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court who jailed Metuh for seven years, and stripped him and his company of everything, Fayose had a message: “You will, one day reap the rewards of the hardship and suffering your miscarriage of Justice has made many Nigerians go through”

Metuh olisa
Olisa Metuh

Metuh’s release followed the nullification of his sentence by the Court of Appeal on December 16.

In the unanimous judgement read by the Hon. Justice Adah, the three-man Panel berated Justice Abang for his prejudice against  Metuh. They said he allowed his personal prejudice to becloud his sense of justice and, thus, denied Metuh fair hearing.

Their Lordships ordered that the case be started afresh before another Judge.

Kwakwanso Loses Father |The Source

By
Adesina Soyooye
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By Adesina Soyooye

Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has lost his father.

The elder Kwankwaso died early Friday morning, at the age of 93 years.

Before his death, Alhaji Musa Sale Kwankwaso, was the District Head of Madobi and Makaman Karaye.

Announcing the death of his father, Senator Kwankwaso said he left to mourn him, two wives and 19 children – nine males and 10 females.

His remains will be committed to mother-earth by 3.00pm Sunday.

Why I Shunned Pressure To Dump PDP For APC – Wike; Asks Akpanudoedehe To Shut- up |The Source

By
Adesina Soyooye
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By Adesina Soyooye

Unknown to most Nigerians, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, came under tremendous pressure from many quarters, to dump his party, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP,  and  join  the All Progressives Congress, APC.

He resisted the pressure, he said, because aside from being a man of character, the APC has nothing to either impress him, or offer the country.

Wike made the revelation on Thursday in Rivers State while playing host to the Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu who he invited to Commission a road project in the State.

A statement signed by his Special Assistant, Media, Kelvin Ebiri, said the Governor spoke Thursday when he led  Governor Ikpeazu to inaugurate the chief Orabule Adiele Road, Rumuolumeni, formerly known as Aker-Base Road in Rumuolumeni community of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area,  Rivers State.

According to the statement, Wike said it would be “unimaginable to leave PDP, a party which continues to hold the promise of good leadership for the country and remains the only hope for Nigerians who are also waiting to vote it into power in 2023”.

Wike, also, explained why he refuses not to talk once he perceives “wrongs and inabilities of the ruling APC because of the need to strengthen the confidence of Nigerians in PDP.”

Wike: “PDP is a party that Nigerians want. No matter all the intimidation, it will not work. We are men of character. When we say something we stand by whatever we have said, not for pecuniary interest.

“If I was that kind of governor, I know how many times people have tried to woo us, we said no. We cannot be wooed. We are here. We started with PDP and will end up with PDP.

“We have no other political party to join because the fate of this country, the hope of Nigerians, solely depends on our party. That is why when we talk about our party, we are not talking about any selfish interest. But it is to continue to give Nigerians that hope that Nigeria is waiting for.”

He skammed Senator James Akpanudoedehe, the National Secretary of the Caretaker Committee of APC, and dismissed him as “a political harlot, who lack the character to talk about national issues without subjecting it to pecuniary interests.”

Wike: “The National Secretary of the Caretaker Committee of All Progressives Congress (APC) said I am playing to the gallery, and that I am economical with the truth. That, after all, the Federal Government has been fighting insecurity and that they gave us bail-out money.

“Bail-out money is not free money. We are paying back the money. But even if they gave us free money, does it mean that if anything is going wrong, I shouldn’t talk?

“We agree that there’s a problem in the country. Even the governors agreed that they are faced with security challenges. Yes, you’re overwhelmed with security challenges but whose responsibility is it to fix the security in this country.

“The National Secretary of APC has been a lifetime governorship aspirant. He has no character. Yesterday, he was with  Tinubu. Today he is with the Minister of Transportation because he wants to be governor.

“Such characters cannot talk to people like us because we have character. A man without character does not have what it takes. I cannot jump from one place to another simply because you want to be governor by all means.

“Ask him, where did he vote in 2019. He voted for PDP. Let him keep his mouth shut before I will tell APC what he did. People like that shouldn’t talk to us.”

The Aker-Base Road was renamed Chief Orabule Adiele in honour of an illustrious son of the Rumuolumeni community and said he would continue to develop infrastructure in the area because of their support to his governorship.

The contract for Nkpor-Mgbuosimini road, he disclosed, has  been rewarded to Lubrick Construction company,  and promised that work would commence in 2021.

Ikpeazu described Wike as a brand, an icon, and a symbol of everything good and a blessing to Nigeria.

He said using concrete pavements in road construction was the best for the topography and urged the people to utilise the road with good care.

I Will Not Allow Protests, No Matter How Well Intended, To Degenerate |The Source

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The Source
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Muhammadu Buhari
Muhammadu Buhari

By Muhammadu Buhari

I felicitate with our Christian brothers and sisters in particular and all Nigerians in general on this joyous occasion of Christmas 2020, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

In Christendom, Christmas season represents joy, peace, hope, love, goodwill and imminent salvation. These worthy values which Jesus’ Advent symbolize, are very much needed in our country at this time when we are confronted with diverse challenges like rising spate of armed banditry, kidnappings, insurgency, economic recession and upsurge of COVID-19 infections.

I wish to, therefore, enjoin fellow compatriots to appropriate the hope that comes with Christmas and reinvest trust in this Administration’s determination and unwavering commitment to restore peace, security and prosperity to our dear country.

Under my watch, the Federal Government will continue to provide the needed support within available resources to the gallant members of our armed forces and security agencies as they confront threats to our citizens. While I commend them for their efforts so far, I urge them to do more to checkmate increasing incidents of security threats especially in the northern parts of the country as well as the entire nation in varying degrees.

Their display of tact, camaraderie, and expertise that led to the recent return of abducted schoolboys of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, will remain a milestone in the annals of the country.

For me, providing security for all residents in the country remains an article of faith. It formed a vital segment of this Administration’s three-point agenda right from inception, and we must follow through with it.

I cannot in good conscience shirk this cardinal responsibility to secure lives and property. I feel pained each time a breach of peace and security occurs in any part of the nation. I am even more distressed when our youths, especially school children, are the targets and victims of mindless and malevolent elements in the society. As a parent, I share the emotional torture and agony parents and guardians go through whenever their children and wards fall into the cruel hands of these enemies of decency and good society.

I plead with fellow compatriots to give our military and other security agencies more time, cooperation and support by volunteering credible intelligence/information on activities of armed bandits, insurgents and other criminal elements within their communities in order to put an end to this blight on our security landscape.

To be sure, the problems are beyond the simplistic options being bandied around. We shall remain focused on following the complex, multi-dimensional route to reducing the incidents of insecurity to the barest minimum. Our people must be free to live and move without let or hindran

  1. This is crucial not only to enthroning an atmosphere of calm and social cohesion, but for the economy to grow.

Let us use this season of goodwill and joy to renew our faith in the ability of this Administration to make a lasting difference in the lives of our hard-working people. Our Social Intervention measures and other economic policies are already yielding positive results even at modest rates.

We shall deliberately target our youths so that they will not fall into the trap of unpatriotic elements to foment social disobedience leading to avoidable loss of lives and property.

Let me reiterate that while the right to peaceful association and protest is guaranteed under our laws, this Administration will not fold its arms and watch protests however well-intended, degenerate into wanton killings of law enforcement and other security personnel as well as destruction of private and national assets.

It is gladdening to note that the various schemes and components of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) are being implemented faithfully to support micro-small businesses. I am particularly delighted that artisans, small-time transporters, traders and farmers are the main beneficiaries as we continue to provide safety nets to the most vulnerable members of our society as well as business owners to mitigate the harsh economic environment occasioned by COVID-19.

In spite of dwindling national revenue worsened by the pandemic, we will do all that is required to fully implement the 2021 Budget of Economic Recovery and Resilience. We are optimistic that all things being equal, we should be able to exit recession at the shortest possible time.

There is every indication that our country is already experiencing a second wave of COVID-19 infection. As we celebrate Christmas with families and friends, I urge all citizens and residents to adhere strictly to the non-pharmaceutical prevention guidelines of regular hand-washing, wearing masks and social/physical distancing with a view to mitigating the spread of this devastating virus.

While national and state institutions are trying their best, we must take individual responsibility and resist the strong temptation of compliance-fatigue by following the recommended protocols put in place by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and beat the ravaging pandemic.

I have absolute confidence in the spirit of resilience of our people to do the needful and remain vigilant even as this festive season witnesses increased travels and celebrations. Staying alive to enjoy future festivals should be the watchword.

I wish all Nigerians divine protection and Merry Christmas.

Buhari, Nigeria’s President Delivered This Message To Nigerian Christians To Mark Christmas Celebrations

No Political Re-engineering In The South-West Will Work Without Tinubu – Pastor Tunde Bakare |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

In a blistering Sermon in his Chuch, fiery Pastor Tunde Bakare laughed at those planning a political re-engineering in the South West without Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, insisting it would not work.

Bakare, a Vice Presidential Candidate to President Muhammadu Buhari at the 2011 General Election and Lead Pastor at the Dominion Hall Citadel Global, spoke as if he was in full support og the aspiration of the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Leader,  to run for the position of the President, come 2023.

Bakare asked those scheming against the aspiration of the former Lagos State Governor to stop doing so. He, also, cautioned those demonising and scheming against Tinubu because of his past adding that everybody has a past, warning that he might be pudgrf to even expose the past of some well regarded Men of God. Like Tinubu, Bakare is known to be interested in the Presidency of Nigeria.

In the recent sermon in his Church at Oregun, Lagos, he tackled issues that many exploit to criticise Tinubu, including the claim that he collects  billions of Naira from taxation in Lagos. According to Bakare, the APC could not have won the 2015 and 2019 election without Tinubu.

He added that no other person had achieved, for the South-West, what Tinubu had, especially, what he did between 1999 and 2007. He told those he called ‘Tinubu traducers’ to eat their humble pie and work with him.

Making references to some instances in the Bible, the Pastor, also, noted that fighting Tinubu because of his alleged Iragbiji ancestry was mundane. In a video bearing the sermon, Bakare said: “Accept your humble pie. Eat it. When you were sleeping, Asiwaju was working day and night. He secured Lagos. He secured Ogun. He secured Osun. He secured Ondo. He secured Edo, and you say he is nobody. You are ode (a fool). You think he laboured that much to say, ‘Çome and take.’ No, he is not a fool.”

“Stop all this nonsense about ancestry. You will kill your heroes and those who can deliver you and nothing will happen. All of these sakabula leaders, they don’t have machine guns. By sakabula, I mean dane guns. I am not a friend of anybody. Ojo o b’enikan sota, eni eji ri leji pa. (I am like the rain that has no enemy, thus drenching whoever it encounters.)”.

Bakare noted that some Yoruba elders were plotting some alternative political re-engineering which, he argued, would not work without Tinubu. According to him, the former Governor of Lagos State’s structure will swallow such because he had worked ahead.

Bakare added, “Stop plotting, scheming against someone. He has his past, you have yours. Even Pope has a past. Don’t let me expose your men of God o, because they all have a past. And before I expose them I should look inward too, because I have my past and you too do. If you have no past, you have no future.”

“I will defend the right of even my enemy when they have that right. Has he done something with power? Yes. Has he done all things right? No, but he did his best. You can’t give more than what you have. Therefore, let’s sit around the table and say: These are the challenges. Do you know how long ago I told the Yoruba elders to do this? Over 10 years ago. They are now going around. Milling around him. We are going to fix this country, and nobody has the monopoly of wisdom to do it.”

“I know what I am saying. Today we create a lot of backlash on social media. Call me names. I know my names. Say what you like about me, but let’s fix it.”

According to Bakare, there were many who even did evils as recorded by the Bible, whom God used because they turned around. He gave their examples, including David.

“He said, ‘Oh, you don’t know what Asiwaju has done? Oh, he is making money from taxation. Why don’t you make yours? If the system allows it, and he exploited that system to his own advantage.”

Tinubu is one of the most influential and controversial politicians in the current era. Although he emerged from the private sector, he moved relatively fast on the political ladder, arguably helped by the prominent role he played during the June 12 struggles.

Covid-19: FIFA Cancels Under-17, Under-20 Female World Cup |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has put off the next editions of FIFA U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups slated for India and Costa Rica in 2021 and 2022.

The cancellation was confirmed in a letter by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to all National Associations affiliated to CAF, dated December 20, 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic was given as the major reason for the cancellation.

“We regret to inform you that due to the worldwide situation that was strongly affected by the COVID-19 as well as the difficulties all confederations are facing to complete the qualifiers phase, FIFA decided to cancel both the U17 & U20 Women’s World Cups -2020,” the letter from CAF headquarters to affiliate Associations stated.

“Consequently, all qualification matches towards the tournaments are hereby cancelled”.

Ekiti Adopts FG Restrictions On Covid 19 |The Source

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti state Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, announced,  on Wednesday that the State  has adopted the 6Federal Government measures on the latest outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic.

In a broadcast, Governor Fayemi told the people of Ekiti state that the state collaborates with the Federal Government and other stakeholders in fight to effectively combat the virus.

“Ekiti has also continued to be a model in the Country in terms of pro-activeness, creativity, responsiveness and effectiveness.

“Regrettably, things have taken a new turn in the last two weeks which has now necessitated that I address you today on the state of things and the next line of action.

“As scientists and medical professionals had earlier forewarned based on the knowledge of the behaviour of viruses generally and coronavirus specifically, the initial strain of the virus which the world was almost surmounting has been said to have mutated into another strain which is believed to be more lethal and deadly as fatalities from the new variant has been sudden and many.

“It is for this reason that the presidential taskforce on COVID-19 headed by the Secretary to the Federal Government has announced new measures

“In Ekiti here, as at two days ago, we had done a total of 7, 890 tests with 405 confirmed cases since the outbreak. We have about 30 active cases currently under treatment in our isolation center.

“One frightening fact about these figures however is that we have recorded about 15 cases out of about 170 tests conducted in the last one week. This is near 10% confirmed cases as against the less than 5% that we used to have at the beginning of the pandemic, earlier in the year.

“Things were not this bad when we imposed strict restrictions on the State at the outset of the breakout of the pandemic in March. Government is therefore very disturbed with the rising figure and its implications on our fragile health facilities and economic wellbeing.

“Consequently as a first measure to stem the tide, I have directed that public gathering should be minimised across the state in accordance with extant COVID-19 protocol.

“We understand the importance of this season in our religious life as a people, we however must prioritise public health above other considerations; therefore, we expect churches to observe the service in strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols such as hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, observation of the approved social distance and to allow only half of the sitting capacity of the church to partake in the service.

“Churches and mosques are to enforce all the existing protocols and should return to only one service on Friday, Saturday or Sunday as the case may be. Other weekly activities and congregational gatherings should be put on hold till further notice.

“In addition, protocols regarding wedding and burial ceremonies remain in force. There should be no crowd in the church auditorium and burial services must be at the graveside only.

“Supermarkets, event centres, hotels and bar owners are to strictly ensure that social distancing measures are put in place and followed accordingly.

“Only half of the full sitting capacity of a facility can be allowed to participate in any ceremony/programme at any point and activities should not exceed 8pm.

“Partying, clubbing and vigils are suspended indefinitely until further notice.

I have directed that all schools should remain closed till January 18; and

“I have also directed that civil servants on grade level 12 and below, should in the meantime, stay at home till January 18 when they would be directed on when they could resume.

“Government officials are to discourage in-person meetings as much as possible and no government official must been seen in the public without wearing facemasks.

“To ensure that things do not snowball out of control, we have given strict instructions to the taskforce and law enforcement agents to begin aggressive compliance   enforcement activities in public places, including worship centers, event centers, markets, supermarkets, bars and hotels.

“Government will not hesitate to close down any facility indefinitely, and to prosecute operators of any public places, flouting the protocols.”

Ganduje Dethroned Sanusi Lamido As Emir, Over Inferiority Complex, Kwankwanso Reveals |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso, has made a shocking revelation on the removal of the deposed Emir Of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II.

Kwankwaso said the removal of the former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, as Emir of Kano, was spurred by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje deep-seated resentment for Traditional Institution in the state.

Kwankwaso’s assertion was contained in a statement issued by his Principal Private Secretary, Muhammad Inuwa Ali, who averred that the removal of  Sanusi was borne out of the Governor’s inferiority complex against him.

Kwankwaso said Ganduje was intimidated by the intellectual acumen of Sanusi, his standing and influence which he wielded in the state. Kwankwaso said:

“We know that Ganduje always feels diminished and inferior in the presence of the Emir, and we know that Gov Ganduje harbours a pathological hatred for the Kano Traditional Institution, that was why he had to dethrone him.

For the records, both men have PhDs in their fields of study.

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje
Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

Kwankwaso noted that Ganduje’s resolve and ‘mad’ obsession with overturning his policy and everything he did in the state culminated in the Governor’s determination to desecrate the Kano Emirate with Emir Sanusi II targeted as the first victim.

“Let me also put on record that Emir Sanusi II was abducted and illegally dethroned by Gov. Ganduje and his cohorts because of the Emir’s progressive ideas on various issues that affect the people of the State.” he said.

Kwankwaso said former President Goodluck Jonathan played no role in the removal of Sanusi. He said matters came to a head and trouble began after Sanusi publicly criticise the Governor’s “desperation to obtain the $1.8 billion loan”, noting that Sanusi’s opposition of the Government’s  move was the genesis of his predicament.

He said it was a common knowledge that Sanusi was too much of a liberal and progressive for Ganduje’s liking, reason why he installed Emirs who would be amenable to him and won’t question his  actions and decisions.

“It is common knowledge that the Emir was too progressive for Gov. Ganduje’s liking and that was exactly why after his illegal removal and the dismemberment of the Kano Emirate Council, he appointed Emirs that will not question his ill-advised decisions even if they are against the interest of the state and its people.”

Insurgency: Mixed Reaction Trails IGP’s Statement That Police Will Partner Miyetti Allah In Fighting Insurgency |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has come under strong criticism from different quarters following his Statement that Police will partner the Miyetti Allah Breeders Association in fighting Insurgency in the Country.

Adamu made this statement in Katsina when charging his Men to step up their game in fighting crime and Insurgents in the wake of the kidnapping of 344 schoolboys at Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State.

The IG categorically said the police will confer with other security agencies, and, especially, Miyetti Allah, an Association of Cattle  breeders, and other relevant groups to evolve new strategies to secure Katsina State from activities of bandits and kidnappers.

The Miyetti Allah was said to have played a dominant role in securing the release of the students from the Local Bandits that abducted them.

Adamu said he was in the state to see the officers and men of the command in order to re-strategise and make sure that Katsina a crime-free state

Speaking with the officers, Adamu said: “The police is the lead agency responsible for that internal security.And for that reason, we should never give opportunity for criminals to strive.

“In planning not to allow that, I believe we need to re-strategise with other stakeholders, the citizens of the state, the Miyetti-Allah and other law enforcement agencies, so that every nook and crannies will be manned and not allow any space for these criminals to operate.”

Adamu emphasized the need for synergy between Divisional Police officers and Commanders of Operation Puff Adder, a military operation againt banditry.

Earlier, the state Commissioner of Police Sanusi Buba, said that the meeting was an avenue for various stakeholders to discuss new strategies to secure the state.

Nigerians are wondering why a group like Miyetti Allah, some of whose members have been  caught in unwholesome activities, especially, in the South, could be the group the Police would be partnering with on such sensitive issues like insurgency and security of the nation.

Controversy Trails Olu of Warri’s Death |The Source

By
Bayo Bernard
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By Fola James

Barely 48 hours after reports of death of the Olu of Warri Ogiame Ikenwoli his palace said news that the monarch has joined his ancestors, is false.

The reports that the monarch died first broke on Monday, barely one week after the grand finale of his fifth coronation anniversary celebration.

According to Chief Clement Maleghemi, the palace Administration Director is only “indisposed and currently receiving medical care.”

Maleghemi who spoke at a news conference in Warri on Tuesday, said reports of the first-class monarch’s passage is false with no iota of truth in it, adding that the palace would brief the public subsequently on further developments.

The statement issued by the palace reads: “The attention of the Palace of His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, the Olu of Warri, has been drawn to news/social media speculations announcing the sudden demise of His Majesty.

“We wish to notify the general public that His Majesty is indisposed and currently receiving medical attention by a team of qualified medical specialists.

“Any further information on the subject would be made known to the general public by the office of the Traditional Prime Minister of Warri kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom.”

Meanwhile, The Nation quoting sources close to the palace, reported that the first class monarch had indeed joined his progenitors on Sunday.

The source said that the statement debunking reports of the Olu’s death merely conformed with the Itsekiri tradition of not announcing a monarch’s death immediately it occurs.

He said: “I am not even aware that the Olu is not dead. In fact, he can never die; he merely transits from one form to the other.

“Having said that, let me state that you do not announce the passage of a monarch of the Olu of Warri’s status like that of an ordinary person. There are processes, rites and methods that must be deployed before this can be done officially.”

He explained that it could take up to three months before the death of Ikenwoli would  be announced. By then, the face of his successor would be known and all the traditional rites would have been performed or at the process of being performed. This will culminate in the breaking of the hearten pot at Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri).”

The paper quoted another source who said plan is ongoing to chose the monarch successor

He said  “The general family will sit down and pick any of his children, who is qualified as his successor. If his first son is qualified by birth, he stands a good chance, but it is not automatic,”  the source added.

“Even after that, the candidate must be acceptable by the oracle before the family presents him to the Ologbotsere and Ojoye-in-Council (council of chiefs), who on their own, would also consult the oracle to ascertain his acceptance.

“It is a very painstaking process that requires patience and care. This is why you do not announce a successor until everything is in place. You  cannot announce the death until the family and oracle have chosen a successor.”

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