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Breaking: Appeal court upholds Abiodun’s election as Ogun governor

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Breaking: Appeal court upholds Abiodun’s election as Ogun governor

The Lagos Division of the Appeal Court affirmed Prince Dapo Abiodun’s reelection as the rightful governor of Ogun State on March 18, 2023, in a divided decision on Friday.

The verdict, which was read out by Justice Joseph Shagbaor Ikyegh, explained in detail how the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Ladi Adebutu’s appeal in the 2023 gubernatorial campaign was denied by the majority ruling.

However, Justice Jane Esienanwan Inyang granted the appeal in the minority decision and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to call another election within ninety days.

Appeal Court Upholds Uba Sani’s Governorship in Kaduna
As previously reported, the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld the election of All Progressives Congress (APC) governor Uba Sani as the lawfully elected governor of Kaduna State.

Read Also: Reps investigate PTAD for spending over N379m to recover UK funds

A three-member panel of justices denied the appeal against Governor Sani’s election that was submitted by Isa Ashiru, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate for governor, on Friday.

The appeal court ruled that the panel erred when it ordered the holding of supplemental polls in 22 voting units across four local government areas (LGAs) after the exercise was considered to be inconclusive since it was based on inadmissible evidence.

Appeal court dismisses Bauchi Speaker, orders rerun

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Appeal court dismisses Bauchi Speaker, orders rerun

On Friday, the Court of Appeal in Abuja overturned the Bauchi State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal’s decision to confirm the Speaker, Abubakar Y Suleiman, as a member representing Ningi Central.

In a unanimous decision issued on Friday, a three-judge panel of the appellate court ordered a rerun in ten polling units.

The decision followed an appeal filed by Khalid Abdulmalik-Ningi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ningi Central State Constituency in the March 18 House of Assembly election.

However, the Speaker has advised all of his supporters and people to be calm and law-abiding, viewing the issue as a short inconvenience that will be resolved soon.

Suleiman, in a statement made by his Spokesperson, Abdul Ahmad Burra, stated his acceptance of the judgment in good faith, citing his Muslim belief in destiny and fate, notwithstanding the unfavorable verdict.

Read Also: Reps investigate PTAD for spending over N379m to recover UK funds

The Speaker also stated his preparedness for a rerun election, hoping to increase the nearly 2,000-vote edge he previously held over his opponent.

Suleiman emphasized the unshakable support and solidarity he has in Ningi, dismissing any attempts to undermine his position.

He questioned the logic of prolonging the process of election defeat by his opponents, viewing the repeat in the 10 polling units that are his strongholds as a straightforward struggle.

Ganduje creates Rivers APC caretaker committee

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Ganduje creates Rivers APC caretaker committee

The ruling All Progressives Congress’s National Working Committee inaugurated members of the Rivers State chapter’s caretaker committee on Friday.

The inauguration, which took place at the APC’s national headquarters in Abuja about 12.30 p.m., was attended by the party’s National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje; Vice Chairman for South-South, Victor Giadom; and members of the NWC.

The ceremony took place two days after the APC NWC dissolved the former state excos to make way for the ad hoc committee that will oversee the conduct of a congress to elect new state executive members.

On Wednesday, National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka announced the party’s dissolution in the party office.

Morka revealed that Chief Tony Okocha was nominated as chairman and Eric Nwibani as secretary of the seven-man caretaker committee.

Other members include Chibuike Ikenga, Stephen Abolo, Silvester Vidin, Senibo Karibi Dan-Jumbo, and Miss Darling Amadi.

Read Also: Reps investigate PTAD for spending over N379m to recover UK funds

After the oath-taking, Ganduje addressed the newly sworn-in officers, urging them to prepare for the difficult task of reconciling factions and members who had left the party.

The APC national chairman also urged them with using the six-month period to create an enabling atmosphere for the congress that will bring in leadership at all levels.

“I want to congratulate the newly sworn-in members of the caretaker committee,” he remarked. I am sure you are well aware that the APC has been experiencing some setbacks in the areas of disagreements, litigations, and counter-litigations since 2015, culminating in the loss of our great party in Rivers State.

“So, this new NWC has examined the party’s issues at both the national and individual state levels and decided to reform the party.” There is no doubt that we have people who have been with APC since its start. Some guests left the party. Some notable chieftains who quit the party even ran against us in another political party. They now wish to return. Those who departed to establish factions are also eager to return.

“You can see that there is no better time to restructure the party than now, especially with a new state party leadership, and we have faith in you.” We ask that you pay attention to the electronic registration of our members and perform some work to spearhead the exercise as part of the reform system we have implemented.

“We expect you to form various committees in order to gain more members for the party.” That is the task you should perform, and we expect you to establish an enabling atmosphere in which congresses can be held to foster the emergence of leadership at the municipal, state, and even senatorial levels.

There should be no discrimination because you are a creation of unity.”

Lawyers Petition NJC, Demand Investigation Over Kano Guber Appeal Judgement

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Lawyers Petition NJC, Demand Investigation Over Kano Guber Appeal Judgement

Some legal practitioners, under the auspices of Judiciary Watchdogs, have called on the Nigerian Judicial Commission (NJC) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the conflicting Appeal Court ruling on the Kano State governorship election.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the spokesperson of the group, Barr. Emmanuel Agada said the judiciary has become an object of ridicule and tool in the hands of politicians.

Recall that the court had sacked Governor Abba Yusuf and declared the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Nasiru Gawuna as the winner of the March poll.

But a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment emerged on Wednesday, affirming Yusuf’s victory in the exercise.

Barrister Agada lamented that some persons are desperate to remove Governor Abba Yusuf at all costs, even at the expense of the will and aspiration of an overwhelming majority of Kano citizens.

He, however, urged the Appellate Court to come to the rescue of the legal profession in Nigeria by thoroughly dealing with all the appeals arising from the 2023 electoral contest, particularly that of Kano and Plateau States.

The statement reads: “The recent judgment of the Court of Appeal that purported to sack the elected governor of Kano state, H.E Abba K. Yusuf, has become unimaginably scandalous, having come at the behest of many incurable inconsistencies that some persons may arguably pin to a pre-determined end, – to remove the Governor at every cost, even at the expense of the will and aspiration of an overwhelming majority of Kano citizens. Who voted for him in 2019 and again in 2023?

“It is shocking that despite the recent judgment of the Supreme Court, when the membership of the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, in the Labour Party was called into question, the membership of a party was an internal affair of the party, the Court of Appeal will on Friday, predicate its sack of the Governor of Kano state, H.E Abba K Yusuf, on his not being validated nominated by his party, the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP).

“Noting that he was not a member of the party. When has our hallowed temple of justice started reprobating and approbating? This question begs for an answer in the lips of every Nigerian regarding the political development in Kano state.

“The greatest of all the scandals that trailed the ruling in the Kano State Guber appeal, was the conflicting conclusions that were contained in the 72-page judgment of the Court of Appeal panel that sat over the case. While we have already written a letter to the Nigerian Judicial Commission (NJC) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the conflicting conclusions, we wish to also use this platform to express our displeasure as lawyers on the new low such actions have dragged the bench.

“As young lawyers, we look to the future, our struggle is for the older folks to bequeath to us, a legal profession that still commands the respect and reverence of the world. A judiciary that dispenses justice without fear nor favour. It is on the above basis that we have risen to raise this alarm that if the profession continues on this path, it will soon lose its essence. The future will be bleak and the world might soon pick stones against all of us.

“It is our hope and prayers that the Apex Court comes to the rescue of the legal profession in Nigeria by thoroughly dealing with all the appeals arising from the 2023 electoral contest, particularly that of Kano and Plateau states so that justice will not only be seen to have been done but manifestly done.”

Breaking: Tinubu’s appointee, Akawor resigns as Rivers PDP chairman

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Breaking: Tinubu’s appointee, Akawor resigns as Rivers PDP chairman

Desmond Akawor, the chairman of the PDP in Rivers State, has tendered his resignation.

Very shortly after President Bola Tinubu named him Federal Commissioner—representing Rivers State in the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission—his resignation letter appeared on Friday.

In a November 22, 2023 letter to Ambassador Umaru Damagun, the acting national chairman of the PDP, Akawor stated that his resignation was related to his appointment.

He mentioned that he has subsequently turned everything over to Aaron Chukwuemeka, his subordinate.
As the Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State, I have been recommended for a Federal appointment to the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission, according to the letter.

I have accepted this opportunity to serve our country, which I consider a national service, after consulting with my leaders and family.

“As a result, I have resigned from my position as the PDP’s Rivers State party chairman. I have also immediately turned over all of my responsibilities to Aaron Chukwuemeka, the deputy party chairman, who has taken action in my place. “I am thankful for the chance to have led the PDP at the state level from 2020 to 2023, and I am especially thankful for your support and the support of the national body during my tenure.”Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, my family and I am incredibly appreciative of your consideration and your decision to select me to serve in this role.

“I will always be available to provide for, lead, and support all party affairs whenever I am called upon, and I will always remain committed to the ideals of our party.”

In the event that the Senate confirms his appointment, Tinubu named Akawor to the position of Federal Commissioner of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, representing Rivers State.

Read Also: Tinubu signs legislation to produce weapons and ammunition locally

According to a statement signed by the President’s Special Advisor on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Akawor was chosen “following the tragic demise of the immediate past RMAFC Federal Commissioner from Rivers State, Asondu Temple earlier this month.”

Subtitled “President Tinubu approves appointment of RMAFC Federal Commissioner,” the message was released.

Akawor held several positions prior to his appointment, including CEO of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Executive Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (Engineering & Technical Services), Minister of State of the Federal Capital Territory, and Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Korea.

In order to guarantee the most effective and productive use of allocations to all three tiers of government in Nigeria, the President assigned the new Federal Commissioner the duty of “deploying his robust experience across tiers of government toward the comprehensive reformation of processes.”

Reps investigate PTAD for spending over N379m to recover UK funds

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Reps investigate PTAD for spending over N379m to recover UK funds

On Thursday, the House of Representatives announced plans to probe the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate’s (PTAD) conduct including the payment of over N379 million to agents in order to recover a £25 million investment fund in the United Kingdom.

The question was posed by House Committee Chairman James Faleke during the ongoing interactive session with the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper MTEF/FSP. At the National Assembly, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are represented.

Read Also: NNPCL ends fuel import Dec 2024, projects N4.5tn revenue

The senator questioned why the agency would use agents to repatriate monies invested with Crown Agents of the United Kingdom worth such a large sum, in contravention of international best practices for fund recovery.
He questioned agency officials about whether it was appropriate to waste pensioners’ and taxpayers’ money on such recoveries on agents, since the global practice is to employ the agency’s legal department for such recoveries.

According to him, the House Committee is worried about the predicament of retirees in the country who are supposed to be beneficiaries of such invested monies but are due several months of salary and even allowance arrears by the agency.

“PTAD is not a revenue generating agency but there is this fund that is meant for pensioners that we are concerned about.”How do you employ a recovery agency to get these funds back? It has been claimed that pensioners are owed over N30 million in pension arrears?”

Dr. Chioma Ejikeme, Executive Secretary of PTAD, indicated in her statement that the money were intended to be transferred to the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) and the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

According to her, the agency received presidential authorization in 2018 to transfer monies from Crown Agents to the Agency.

Dr. Ejikeme further stated that one million pounds of seized cash were utilized to offset the obligations of several privatized government entities.

Tinubu still recovering from knee injury – Bayo Onanuga

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Tinubu still recovering from knee injury – Bayo Onanuga

Bayo Onanuga, a presidential advisor on information and strategy, has stated that President Bola Tinubu is currently recovering from knee surgery in London, England.

Onanuga made this remark in a recent interview with the Nigerian Tribune, in response to a question concerning President Tinubu’s health.

Tinubu had knee surgery in London prior to launching his presidential campaign for the 2023 general election.
Tinubu, according to Ononuga, has no other ailments but is still recovering from knee surgery.

Read Also: Ogun Customs seizes N398m in contraband, earns N30m

“No, he wasn’t sick,” he replied. We made this obvious to Nigerians. Tinubu was fit as a fiddle in the run-up to the election.

“Before that campaign began, I believe a year before, he went for knee surgery, which was not a secret because President Buhari even went to see him in London while he was recovering.”

“So he went to have knee surgery.” That was why he couldn’t walk correctly.

“When you have knee surgery, you cannot walk like a 25-year-old man.” He is still recovering from the major surgery. He doesn’t have any additional problems.”

APC Rivers State chairman petitions Abdullahi Ganduje, party’s national chairman, to overturn National Working Committee’s decision to disband executive branch

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APC Rivers State chairman petitions Abdullahi Ganduje, party’s national chairman, to overturn National Working Committee’s decision to disband executive branch

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, has been urged to overturn the National Working Committee’s decision to dissolve the party’s executive branch in Rivers State by the party’s beleaguered chairman, Emeka Beke.

Speaking on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Beke asserted that the party’s executive branch in the state was still in office.

Recall that the Rivers excos were dissolved by the Ganduje-led APC NWC on Wednesday in Abuja, and a caretaker committee was appointed to oversee the party’s operations in the state for a period of six months.

The caretaker committee’s chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, is well-known to be an associate of former PDP governor Nyesom Wike, who is currently forming a national coalition with the APC.

 

Tonye Cole, the APC’s candidate for governor in the general elections of 2023, and other members of the party were disregarded by President Bola Tinubu when he appointed Wike of the PDP to the position of minister for rivers.

Cole is an ally of Wike’s longtime political opponent in Rivers State, former governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Felix Mouka, the party’s national publicity secretary, announced the dissolution of the Rivers APC excos on Wednesday in Abuja. “We have resolved at the NWC meeting that Rivers APC should be dissolved and a caretaker committee put in place,” Mouka stated. Chief Tony Okocha will lead the committee, and Eric Nwibani will serve as secretary.

“On Friday, the committee members’ inauguration will take place here at the party secretariat.”

However, the dismissed chairman of the Rivers APC, Emeka, responded to the party’s national leadership decision on Thursday by stating that, according to the party constitution, only the NEC has the authority to dissolve an elected state exco.

He said, “What is stated in the party’s constitution? The moral right belongs only to NEC. The NWC’s claim that it has such authority surprises me. I do not believe that the NEC ever granted them (NWC) the authority to do it. It is really unexpected and startling.

Comparing him to a man who lives in a glass home, he advised Ganduje to proceed cautiously.

“Ganduje is aware of how this party’s national chairmanship came to be. It is not good for you to throw stones at a man who lives in a glass house. He must turn around.

Regarding the assertions that the APC’s move enabled Wike to seize control of the state’s party system, Beke clarified that the Federal Capital Territory’s current Minister is not an APC member.

As he is not a part of our party, he says, “Well, I don’t know.” In Rivers State, Wike is not an APC member. He does not belong to the national APC.

“Nevertheless, they ought to be able to handle the consequences if the national has chosen to go that route.”

In a statement, Darlington Nwauju, the APC’s state publicity secretary, argued that the NWC lacked the authority to dissolve an elected executive and called the move extra-constitutional.

Nwauju stated in the statement provided to our correspondent: “The alleged dissolution of the APC’s state executives in Rivers State is extra-constitutional and contradicts good crisis management and peacebuilding practices.

“Without the NEC’s agreement, the NWC cannot take such drastic actions as dissolving the party’s validly elected executives or waiving requirements for any individual to hold positions for which they are constitutionally ineligible.

For all progressive-minded people in Rivers State, putting our party in the hands of political undertakers is simply too risky.

Tinubu signs legislation to produce weapons and ammunition locally

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Tinubu signs legislation to produce weapons and ammunition locally

The Nigerian Defense Industries Corporation Bill, 2023, received President Bola Tinubu’s assent on Thursday.

The previous version of the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria Act is repealed by the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria Act, 2023, according to a statement released on Thursday and signed by Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Advisor on Media and Publicity.

The title of the statement was “President Tinubu assents to Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Bill.”

Part 94 of the Laws of the Federation, 2004 updated the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, which was founded on August 1, 1964, by an Act of Parliament.

In its revised form, the bill, which is supported by Babajimi Benson (APC — Ikorodu Federal Constituency), the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defense, gives the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria the authority to manage and control its subsidiaries and ordnance factories, as well as to produce, stockpile, and discard ordnance and related materials.

Furthermore, it facilitates the creation of the Defence Industry Technology, Research, and Development Institute, which aims to establish a sophisticated scientific and research-based technological foundation for Nigeria’s defense industry by utilizing combined, multidisciplinary research from multiple military research institutes for an application that leads to commercialization and the development of new military technology and capacity in Nigeria.

Under the Act, the production, distribution, storage, and disposal of defense articles in Nigeria are all regulated in a comprehensive manner. Additionally, the Act encourages the creation of a sophisticated financing structure that allows private capital to support R&D and production in the defense industry in a transparent and predictable manner.

NNPCL ends fuel import Dec 2024, projects N4.5tn revenue

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NNPCL ends fuel import Dec 2024, projects N4.5tn revenue

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited announced Thursday that it would stop importing refined petroleum products by December 2024 when all refineries would be operating.

The national oil business said it would grow its revenue to N4.5tn by 2023 and rehabilitate the Port Harcourt Refining Company by December.

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Officer of NNPCL, announced this when he led business officials to a meeting with House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who urged for the privatization of Nigeria’s refineries.

Also, oil marketers, on Thursday, reaffirmed the readiness of the Port Harcourt refinery, as they claimed that its activities, which might commence in January 2024, will contribute to a huge decline in the pricing of refined petroleum products.

 

Kyari said at the Abuja summit that Nigeria would stop importing refined petroleum products in 2024 and become a net exporter.

He also explained Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refinery openings.

The CEO claimed all refineries would be operational and the country would become a net exporter of petroleum products by 2024.

 

Petrol subsidy

 

He blamed the fuel subsidy for dormant refineries in Nigeria throughout the years, adding that its elimination was already drawing private investment.

Kyari said, “I can confirm to you that by the end of December this year, we will start the Port Harcourt refinery; early in the first quarter of 2024, we will start the Warri refinery; and by the end of 2024, the Kaduna refinery will

We promise this today, and you can hold us accountable. Many projects, including refinery restoration, small-scale refineries, and the Dangote plant, will make Nigeria a net petroleum exporter in 2024.

We won’t talk about gasoline importation after 2024. I believe this will crystallize, he said.

Since NNPCL currently returns value to shareholders in conformity with the Petroleum Industry Act, Kyari promised N4.5tn in government income by 2023.

After NNPCL stopped oil swaps, Nigeria spent N843bn per month on petrol imports, according to October report.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority reported in July that between June 1 and June 28, 2023, the post-deregulation period, the country consumed 1.36 billion litres of petrol, with an average daily consumption of 48.43 million.

Petrol from NNPCL, the sole importer, costs roughly N580/litre ex-depot.

On Thursday, the NNPCL and oil marketers announced that the Port Harcourt refinery would begin manufacturing refined petroleum products in January 2024, reducing this massive oil import fund.

Billy Gillis-Harry, president of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, informed one of our journalists that he visited the factory to see for himself and found it ready.

The Federal Government declared in August that the Port Harcourt refinery would be rehabilitated by December 2023.

On Thursday, NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer Olufemi Soneye said, “Scheduled for the end of December 2023, the Port Harcourt refinery project is proceeding as planned without any issues. No change in delivery date. The work continues.”

 

PETRON president

 

The PETROAN president said the Port Harcourt refinery would start operations based on oil union findings.

Gillis-Harry remarked, “I can confirm that the refinery is getting set for production. I’ve been there and will again Friday morning. I want to stand near one active location and take a photo of it to give to you.

“The Port Harcourt refinery is on track. I am working on a committee that is reviewing these topics. I won’t name the committee because it’s a covert mission. I guarantee you they are set.

There are several options, and they can easily set it up and pump. They should be ready to make and distribute by January, and if you contact me in the morning, I’ll be at the refinery and play you a video to explain.

Gillis-Harry said PMS prices will decline when the Port Harcourt refinery starts.

“It is simple—PMS cost will be reduced by importation, port rate, and shipping costs. Load products and transport them across Nigeria from here.

“All we need to do is distribute production fairly. Thus, the refinery will save the federal government forex once it begins production.

Chief John Kekeocha, National Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, asked the NNPCL to start the Port Harcourt refinery on time.

“The refinery will help increase fuel supply by addressing Nigeria’s fuel shortage and high cost. After opening in December or January, it will increase supply in price and quantity.

That’s fine if they can. They may then switch to Warri and Port Harcourt refineries. This will help and we don’t want excuses. They must strive hard to reach this aim because it will have a huge economic impact.

Kekeocha said that crude oil was a major component in the creation of refined petroleum products, therefore its price would still affect refinery products.

Since we practice deregulation, when the Port Harcourt refinery starts producing, the refined products will be cheaper if crude oil declines, but if it rises, they would cost more.

This is because crude oil refiners will acquire the product at international prices. Only if we practice subsidizing will it not effect us.

 

Privatize refineries today

 

The Speaker of the House of Representatives urged for oil refinery privatization at the meeting with NNPCL officials to address the oil sector’s chronic crisis.

Abbas called the refineries disgraceful and noted that NNPCL workers had been paid, promoted, and cared for for decades despite working less than a month.

He stated, “These refineries need multi-dimensional uses. If crude oil is gone, what else can keep workers busy so they may earn what they deserve? I need you and your management to figure out how to reverse these decades of losses.

Privatizing these refineries is one way. We’ve spent so much money and time convincing ourselves that the government can operate some enterprises.

“In refineries, we now know that some NNPCL sectors

Our refineries are private-sector businesses.

As soon as the Dangote refinery gets on board, competition will expose refineries’ inefficiencies.

I want you to make privatizing our refineries a priority so they can operate. Soon, they can compete with new refineries, he said.

Abbas said the NNPCL is vital to Nigeria’s economic growth and that the house will help it flourish.

He said the House is concerned about increasing oil theft, which is depleting income, impacting FX availability, and causing inflation.

The Speaker said the House had established a special oil theft committee to work with partners to combat oil theft.

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