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ADC Petitions National Judicial Council, Demands Dismissal Of Justice Lifu

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Honourable Justice Peter Lifu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has petitioned the National Judicial Council, NJC, seeking to stop Honourable Justice Peter Lifu from adjudicating matters relating to the party.

 

The ADC’s position is coming against the backdrop of Justice Lifu’s controversial ruling on Monday June 15, 2026, ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to deregister five political parties, including the ADC over perceived failure to meet electoral performance requirements for political parties.

 

Barely 24 hours after the deregistration verdict, Justice Lifu; on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, declined to recuse himself from the case involving the leadership tussle between the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee NEC, and the party’s erstwhile Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala-Gombe.

 

Ruling on the application filed by Rauf Aregbesola, the National Secretary on behalf of the Mark-led ADC NEC demanding his recusal, Justice Lifu held that there were no justifiable and cogent reasons for him to recuse himself from the matter.

 

Justice Lifu has since fixed June 23, 2026, date for the commencement of accelerated hearing of the motion on notice filed by Bala-Gombe challenging the emergence of Senator Mark and his ADC NEC.

 

But in a petition dated June 18, 2026, addressed to the Executive Secretary, National Judicial Council, NJC, and signed by its National Youth Leader Comrade Balarabe Rufai, the National Youth Wing of the party,demanded the removal of Justice Lifu” from any, and all adjudicatory matters, reviews, or decision-making roles concerning the ADC”

 

Addressing the media  at the ADC National Headquarters in Abuja, on Thursday, Comrade Ibrahim Garba Wala, who stood in for the National Youth Leader informed that following concerted efforts by the authorities to frustrate the presentation of the petition to the NJC, the party  decided to make the matter a public issue.

 

According to him, all the roads leading to, and from the NJC Abuja Headquarters were barricaded by hordes of stern-looking and heavily armed security personnel.

 

“We demand the immediate and total removal of Hon Justice Peter Odo Lifu from any, and all adjudicatory matters, reviews, or decision-making roles concerning the ADC.

 

” Furthermore, given what we perceive as a pattern of judicial misconduct, we demand that the National Judicial Council recommend his dismissal from the Judiciary in order to preserve the credibility of the bench” Rufai stated.

 

According to the ADC Youth Wing, Justice Lifu’s ruling on the motion on notice filed by Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators seeking the deregistration of some political parties was politically motivated, heavily manipulated, and compromised with the ultimate aim of stifling opposition parties in the country.

 

The party cited the decision of the presiding Judge to go ahead with delivering the judgment despite a subsisting Court of Appeal order staying proceedings, as an eloquent testimony to his bias and compromised disposition.

 

The ADC Youth Wing equally accused Justice Lifu of aiding and abetting the plaintiffs in the alteration of their status during proceedings without the requisite court order.

 

Comrade Rufai also referred to what he described as an avalanche of petitions against Justice Lifu from other aggrieved members of the public as an additional reason why the NJC should seriously consider the option of doing away with him before he will completely erode public trust and confidence in the bench.

 

“We cannot watch the political rights of millions of young Nigerians be auctioned off by compromised benches.

 

“The continued involvement of Justice Lifu in ADC-related matters undermines public and raises concerns about fair hearing”, the party added.

 

This was as it vowed to continue with its protest until the NJC acts to protect institutional integrity, enforce discipline, as well as recuse Justice Lifu from all matters involving the ADC.

Retired Generals Call For Joint Efforts To End Insecurity

By
James Orji
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Major -General Rabe Abubakar
Major -General Rabe Abubakar

Some retired military officers in the country have called for comprehensive reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar after his abduction by bandits in Katsina State.

Abubakar, a former Defence spokesperson died in hands of kidnappers last week after he was held for weeks, alongside his wife by the abductors in Katsina state.

The General’s wife has now been rescued by security forces who launched an assault on the fleeing suspected Fulani kidnappers.

The General made the call  during a press conference in Kaduna on Thursday, where Brigadier General Isma’ila Abdullahi (rtd), speaking on behalf of the deceased’s colleagues, friends and associates, described the incident as a stark reminder of the country’s persistent security challenges.
Abdullahi said the late general died after being kidnapped by bandits in the Matazu area of Katsina State, noting that his death had left colleagues and associates devastated.
He commended the Federal Government and the Katsina State Government for efforts that led to the rescue of Abubakar’s wife, Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar, but stressed that the incident highlighted the urgent need for stronger action against banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
According to him, the killing of the retired officer reflects the broader security crisis confronting the nation and the difficulties in guaranteeing the safety of citizens.
The retired officers warned against politicising insecurity or giving it ethnic and regional interpretations, insisting that terrorism, banditry and kidnapping are national challenges requiring a collective response.
They called for stronger security institutions, closer collaboration among security agencies and increased investment in intelligence gathering and border security to curb the flow of illegal weapons into the country.
While acknowledging the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism, the group maintained that the primary responsibility for securing the country rests with Nigerian authorities.
The officers also advocated greater support for community-based security initiatives, particularly in rural areas frequently targeted by armed groups. They said properly trained and supervised local security volunteers could complement formal security efforts.
However, they cautioned against the uncontrolled proliferation of arms, stressing that any community defence arrangement must operate under strict regulation.
The group further urged state governments to establish and adequately equip forest guard units to strengthen security operations in forested areas often used as hideouts by criminal groups.
On the debate over state police, the retired officers expressed support for the idea but said only states with the financial and institutional capacity to sustain such structures should be permitted to establish them.
They also called on governments at all levels to support families affected by insecurity and intensify efforts to secure the release of citizens still in captivity.
According to the group, the death of Major General Abubakar should serve as a wake-up call for renewed political commitment and a coordinated national strategy to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.

Police Foil Plan To Traffic Nigerian Girls To Ivory Coast For Prostitution

By
James Orji
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Olatunji Disu - IGP
IGP Olatunji Disu
The Lagos Police Command  has apprehended a woman for allegedly attempting to traffic three Kaduna girls to Ivory Coast for prostitution, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports.
According to the agency report, the suspect allegedly lured the girls, aged between 18 and 20, from Kaduna State to Lagos with promises of legitimate employment in a restaurant in Lagos.
However, upon their arrival in the Ajegunle area of the state on May 23, the suspect allegedly informed them that she intended to send them to Ivory Coast.
One of the victims, who refused to be taken abroad, subsequently reported the matter to the police.
Following the report, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Tijani, directed that the case be transferred from the Tolu Division, Ajegunle, to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, for further investigation.
The investigation into the allegations of conspiracy, deception and human trafficking is being handled by the Anti-Human Trafficking/Gender Unit of the SCID under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the department, Mr Dayo Akinbisehin.
A police source told NAN on Thursday that the victims were never informed of the alleged plan before leaving Kaduna.
According to the source, one of the victims objected after discovering that she was being taken abroad for prostitution rather than the promised job opportunity.
“She immediately told the suspect that prostitution was not what they had been told they were coming to Lagos for.
“The suspect allegedly took the girls to a motor park with plans to facilitate their movement out of the country.
“Alarmed by the development, one of the victims approached the police and lodged a complaint.
“Following the report, detectives launched an investigation and subsequently apprehended the suspect,” the source said.
The source added that efforts were underway to rescue the other victims allegedly being held by an accomplice and to trace other persons connected to the suspected trafficking operation.

Zamfara Security Has Improved Under Me- Gov

By
James Orji
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Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal
Governor Dauda Lawal


Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has disclosed that he didn’t promise to end insecurity immediately when he came to office three years ago, saying significant progress has been made in the area since he became the state chief executive.

The governor, however, said significant progress has been made to end the menace, with the combined efforts of the security agencies and local vigilante

Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Governor Lawal said his pledge during the 2023 governorship campaign was to implement measures that would bring relief to residents and improve security across the state adding that his administration faced enormous challenges when he became governor.

According to him, the challenges faced, under him, include insecurity, which the state has faced for years.

Zamfara, is one of the epicenter of kidnapping, terrorism and banditry, the governor however stated that his administration has responded swiftly to the problem, and that significant progress has been recorded.

As soon as he became governor, Lawal said  his administration responded by establishing the Zamfara Community Protection Guards, popularly known as Askarawa, to complement the efforts of federal security agencies in tackling banditry and other violent crimes.
The guards, the governor said, were recruited from local communities in collaboration with security agencies, including the DSS, police and military, before undergoing about three months of training and being equipped with weapons, vehicles and other operational tools.
He noted that the initiative has helped improve intelligence gathering and response time because the personnel are familiar with the terrain and communities they serve.
The governor claimed that attacks in the state have declined significantly since the introduction of the outfit, estimating a reduction of about 60 per cent.
“I am not saying attacks no longer happen. What I am saying is that the frequency and intensity are not what they used to be,” he said.
Reacting to criticism that insecurity continues to affect farming activities in parts of the state, Lawal maintained that he never promised an immediate end to the crisis.
“I never promised that I would completely end insecurity immediately. What I promised was that I would take measures to bring relief to the people, and by the grace of Allah, we have done that,” he said.
The governor added that while security challenges persist, the state’s collaboration with federal security agencies and the deployment of community protection guards have delivered measurable gains in the fight against banditry.

The ‘Obidient’ Movement: “We Remain Undivided, Evolving Along Obi’s Principled Approach To Governance”

By
The Source
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

The Obidient Movement says it has become aware of ongoing, manufactured media reports suggesting that the Obidient Movement is experiencing internal divisions or fracturing. 

 

In a statement signed by Ibrahim Umar, the Spokesperson for POMR, the Movement  strongly refuted the claim of any division within. 

 

The statement released on Thursday, June 17, reads in part: 

 

“What those who oppose the current system perceive as disunity is, in fact, the organic and decentralised evolution of a citizen-led coalition.

To grasp why the Obidient Movement is resilient to traditional political fault lines, one must acknowledge that the Movement embodies an idea of governance anchored on accountability principles of our principal, Peter Obi. It’s not a conventional political organisation that operates under a rigid hierarchy; the Obidient Movement is founded upon shared values such as accountability, economic advancement, systemic fairness, and capable leadership as embodied by Peter Obi. While various civic groups across the nation may employ different strategies, their collective objective is a unified vision for a New Nigeria.

 

“The organic decentralised nature of the Obidient Movement is its source of strength. The absence of a central, easily influenced or compromised leadership body prevents any single individual or subgroup from compromising the aspirations of millions. The movement belongs to the Nigerian populace, not to a select group of politicians.

 

“The central mission remains unaltered along Peter Obi’s principles and approach to governance. Let it be unequivocally understood by both supporters and critics that the Obidient Movement’s steadfast commitment to ending the transactional politics that have held Nigeria captive is absolute. There is no division whatsoever regarding our fundamental objectives.

We implore the public and our vast network of organic supporters globally to dismiss these deliberately orchestrated campaigns of distraction. The movement is unified on achieving the socio-economic liberation of Nigeria.”

UK Court’s Acquittal Of Diezani, Fmr. Petroleum Minister: Ijaw Women Group Commends Due Process

By
Ayodele Oni
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Diezani Alison-Madueke appears in Uk Court
Diezani Alison-Madueke.

By Ayodele Oni

 

Ijaw Women Advocates for Justice has expressed satisfaction that rule of law prevailed in the trial of former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, by London’s Southwark Crown Court.

 

The women group hailed the acquittal of  Alison-Madueke, by London’s Southwark Crown Court, in the five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.

 

A jury on Wednesday acquitted Alison-Madueke of five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery after more than 46 hours of deliberation.

 

In a statement signed by Timiebi Koripamo-Agary, the Ijaw women group noted that due process remains the cornerstone of every civilised society, adding that allegations are not convictions.

 

“Today, June 17th, we receive with gratitude the verdict of the UK court acquitting Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke of all charges brought against her after a lengthy legal process,” the statement said.

 

“In April, the Ijaw Women Advocates for Justice addressed the press and called for one simple principle: respect for the Rule of Law and the right of every person to a fair hearing.

 

“We neither sought to influence the judicial process nor substitute public opinion for the courts. We simply insisted that justice must be allowed to take its course.

 

“Today’s outcome reinforces an important truth: allegations are not convictions, and due process remains the cornerstone of every civilized society.

 

“We thank God that the judicial process has run its course and that a verdict has been reached by a competent court and jury.

 

“We also appreciate all those who stood firmly for fairness, justice, and the presumption of innocence throughout this long and difficult journey.

 

“As Ijaw women, we remain committed to justice, equity, and the rule of law for all people, irrespective of status, gender, ethnicity, or circumstance. To God be the glory.”

Ekiti Gov. Election : SDP Disowns Candidate, Urges Members To Vote For APC Oyebanji

By
Ayodele Oni
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Biodun Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

 

Less than 48 hours to the governorship election in Ekiti State, The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has disowned Peter Obafemi as its candidate.

 

The party, in a social media post accused Obafemi of not relating with leadership of the party since his emergence as candidate.

 

The party has therefore advised it’s supporters to come out enmasse on Saturday and cast their vote for Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

 

The post reads “The Social Democratic Party (SDP), Ekiti State Chapter, has officially distanced itself from its governorship candidate, Otunba Olugbenga Peter Obafemi, over what the party described as a lack of commitment to the party’s activities and electoral process.

 

“Speaking after an extensive deliberation, the party expressed disappointment in the conduct of Otunba Peter Obafemi, alleging that since emerging as the party’s candidate, he has failed to participate in party functions and activities across the state.

 

“According to the party, the candidate has neither engaged with the party structure from the state level down to the ward level nor embarked on any meaningful campaign across Ekiti State.

 

“The SDP leadership further described his actions as detrimental to the party’s collective interests, accusing him of treating the party’s governorship ticket as a personal venture rather than a platform for genuine political engagement.

 

“The party stated that his absence from critical party engagements and inability to mobilize support have left members disappointed and frustrated ahead of the governorship election.

 

“Consequently, after what it described as a vigorous and unanimous deliberation, the Ekiti State chapter of the SDP resolved to support the re-election bid of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji in the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.

 

“While reaffirming its identity and existence as an independent political party, the SDP announced its endorsement of Governor Oyebanji for a second term, citing the need to align with what it considers the best interest of Ekiti State and its people.

 

“The party emphasized that despite its decision to endorse Governor Oyebanji, the SDP remains a distinct political platform committed to the advancement of democratic values and the development of Ekiti State.

 

“This decision is in line with the collective resolution of the party to support BAO’s re-election bid and enable him to continue the developmental strides being witnessed across Ekiti State.

 

“The SDP maintains that the priority of every well-meaning citizen should be to support a credible leader who can deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

 

“The party believes that Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has demonstrated exceptional leadership, with his performance and achievements evident across various sectors of the state.”

How Oyebanji Will Ride On Weak Opposition To Win Ekiti Gov. Election

By
Ayodele Oni
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Biodun Oyebanji - Ekiti State Governor

By Ayodele Oni

 

All hands are on deck as Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji is set to face challengers from 12 political parties in the June 20, 2026, governorship election.

 

The election, slated for Saturday is already won, going by activities and assessment of the 13 political parties that are eyeing the Oke Ayoba government House in Ado Ekiti.

 

For the past few months, the candidates and political parties cleared for the election, have attempted to sell themselves to less than a million voters in the state – what they have in stock, their strength and even their personality to the people.

 

The people are already charged and ready to exercise their civic duty to elect another governor, that will serve them for another four years. Since its creation, Ekiti state politics has been that of uncertainty and suspense, a situation that has led to defeat of three incumbent governors.

 

First was Adeniyi Adebayo, the first executive Governor, that lost our to Ayodele Fayose, then Kayode Fayemi was sacrificed for the return of Fayose for second term, while  his bid to install a successor was stalled as Fayemi again returned to the saddle.

 

Saturday’s election in Ekiti state will be a record breaker as Biodun Oyebanji is set to break the jinx of second term in the state. He will be the first governor to win back to back. His victory at the poll will be due mainly to weak opposition and not as a result of his achievements during the first time. Though, his followers believe that Oyebanji performed, to an ordinary Ekiti man, his administration will go down as one of a deceit and lame duck one.

 

Talk of security – where he has refused to speak till date on the abduction of 16 worshippers at a CAC Church in Eda Oniyo, over 50 days after, his penchant to dole out state resources to cater for his predecessors in office and failure of his government in the area of infrastructure – all these are there to stop his second term bid, but he will be reaping from crisis within virtually all opposition parties in the country.

 

One of his predecessors in office, Fayose has helped him to destroy the People’s Democratic Party PDP, one of the parties which used to be formidable in the state. PDP now survive in its past glory. Virtually all other parties contesting in the election rise from the remnants of PDP.

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has assured the Electorate that everything has been put in place to ensure a hitch free poll, security agents have made deployments where necessary, with the election hotspots identified by INEC. Non sensitive materials are already on ground with the chairman of INEC Prof Josiah Amupitan relocating temporarily to the state for the poll.

 

He has held stakeholders’ parley with virtually those that are concerned and recruitment of adhoc staff done. Altogether, the election will be conducted across the state’s 16 local government areas, 177 wards, and 2,445 polling units, with 13 political parties expected to participate.

 

The election may however witness a low turnout of voters and this may likely be caused by insecurity. Since the abduction incident in Eda Oniyo, residents of the state have been cautious about their movement in order not to fall prey. Security Agents will have hectic time to check vote buying as politicians will capitalize on the harsh economic situation to buy Electorate conscience.

 

There have been reported cases of presence of suspected bandits in some communities in the state, which has been denied by the state police command. Even with the assurance people may spend Saturday relaxing in their homes.

 

INEC may likely turn in results of the election within 24 hours as there is no known difficult terrain in Ekiti state.

 

Among political parties  that are contesting include People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), All Progressive Congress, ( APC), Action Democratic Congress, (ADC), Labour Party, (LP), Young Progressive Party,(YPP) and Accord Party,(AP).

 

Others are African Action Congress, (AAC), Social Democratic Party,(SDP) and People’s Redemption Party,(PRP) and Zenith Labour Party ZLP.

 

Those that can be regarded as serious contenders include Dare Bejide, ADC; Opeyemi Falegan, Accord Party and Dr Oluyede of the PDP. However, their victory may be restricted by leadership crisis in their parties.

“No Senator Complained To Me About Forged Signature – Oshiomhole Makes U-turn On Natasha’s suspension, Apologises

By
Ayodele Oni
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Adams Oshiomhole
Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

By Ayodele Oni

 

Chairman, Senate Committee on Interior, Adams Oshiomhole, APC, Edo North has recanted saying no Senator complained to him that his or her signature was forged during the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, PDP, Kogi Central.

 

He maintained that he never alleged that signatures were forged during the process.

 

Oshiomole had been quoted as saying in one of the interviews that some senators, including Senator Ireti Kingibe, informed him that they did not sign the committee report even though their names appeared on the document.

 

“If he said that, yes. Because there are even people who claimed that their signatures were forged under the suspension document, people like Senator Ireti Kingibe.

 

“She told me, ‘But I didn’t sign that report. But my name was published,’” Oshiomhole said.

 

A statement however by Senator Oshiomhole  read: “My attention has been brought to an obvious misrepresentation of the statement I made during the course of my interview on AIT “Politics Today” broadcast on Monday 15th June 2026.

 

“To set the records straight, I wish to make the following clarifications.

‘The insinuation that I said signatures of Senators were forged is a complete misrepresentation of what I actually said.

 

“I agree absolutely with the spokesperson of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Yemi Adaramodu, that no signature of Senators was forged in Natasha Akpoti’s suspension.

 

“This is because, no Senator complained to me that his or her signature was forged.

 

“The only comment I made is that one Senator, who is a member of the Committee claimed that the signatures of attendance of some Senators were attached to the final report.

 

“Any suggestion to the effect that I alleged that any Senator’s signature was forged is completely untrue and should be disregarded.

 

“As far as I am concerned, the issue of suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been put to rest and the Senate has since moved on.

 

“The context in which I made a comment on the Senator Natasha Akpoti’s issue was the AIT interviewer’s claim that Senate Leader Distinguished Senator Bamidele Opeyemi referred to the matter as the ‘lowest point of the 3 years of the 10th Senate’ to which I replied that ‘if indeed the Senate Leader said so, yes it should be taken seriously, because he is not given to frivolities.’

 

“Once again, I emphasise that no Senator told me that his or her signature was forged.

 

“Finally, I regret if my comments may have caused embarrassment to any Senator or the 10th Senate as an institution.”

“God Is Not Man” – Diezani Allison-Madueke

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Diezani Alison-Madueke

By Adesina Soyooye 

 

On stepping out of the Southwark Crown Court, London, immediately after she was acquitted of all the charges   against her, former Nigeria’s Petroleum Minister, Diezani Allison- Madueke proclaimed “God is not man.”

 

Allison Madueke, Minister of Petroleum under the President Goodluck Jonathan Administration, had, for 10 years and counting, been under prosecution on allegations which bordered on bribery while she was in office.

 

But on Wednesday, June 17, 2026,  she was given a clean bill by the Southwark Crown Court.

 

She described her  trial as arduous and said the matter  “weighed heavily” upon her and her family. 

 

In a Press Release issued and signed on her behalf by Bolouere Opukiri thereafter, she noted, that “a decade of unrelenting and unjust vilification, condemnation and scrutiny” has finally ended

For now, she disclosed, she intends to embrace the freedom that has been unjustly denied her for many years 

 

Allison-Madueke: “Today, at Southwark Crown Court, I was acquitted of all charges brought against me.

 

“For eleven arduous years, this matter has weighed heavily upon me and my family. Today, a decade of unrelenting and unjust vilification, condemnation, and scrutiny has finally concluded.

 

“I give thanks to Almighty God for His faithfulness and for the complete vindication I have received. I am grateful to my legal counsel for their diligence, and to my family and friends for their steadfast support and encouragement throughout this period.

 

“I am profoundly relieved. My name has been cleared, and this ordeal has come to an end.

 

“This, however, is not the final chapter. In due course, I shall address this difficult period in greater detail and share my intentions for the future. For now, I intend to embrace the freedom that has been unjustly denied me for many years.”

 

Acquitted along with Allison-Madueke were her elder brother, Doye Agama, 69, Archbishop at a Manchester Pentecostal Church. He was acquitted of conspiracy to commit bribery. An Oil Executive, Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, was also acquitted of bribery and bribery of a foreign public official.

 

Allison-Madueke was Nigeria’s Oil Minister between 2010 and 2015, and was the first female President  of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC.

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