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Delta is APC’s Stronghold – Omo-Agege Rejects Okowa, Oborevwori’s Defection

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Delta is APC’s Stronghold – Omo-Agege Rejects Okowa, Oborevwori’s Defection

Ovie Omo-Agege, the former deputy president of the Senate and the APC’s candidate for governor of Delta State in the 2023 election, has vehemently denied that former governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori would join the APC, saying that they are not welcome in the party.
At an event held Monday in Ika South and Ika North East Local Government Areas with APC officials, elders, and interested parties, Omo-Agege said the party was in control of Delta State and was still growing.

Despite the PDP’s assertions that the APC had become irrelevant in Delta State, he pointed out that the party had won two Senate seats, two House of Representatives seats, and was expected to attract additional PDP defections.
The PDP disseminated misleading information with the assertion that the APC had vanished from Delta following the 2023 elections. But in this state, the APC took home two House of Representatives seats and two Senate seats.

Are you still claiming that we are not present when the sole PDP senator is scheduled to join the APC today? We’re the majority party, right? “What?” Omo-Agege asked.

He added that the APC had won two of the three House of Representatives seats and the Senate seat in the Delta Central Senatorial District, where he and Governor Oborevwori are from, while the Labour Party had only won one. The PDP received no votes.

“In Delta Central, the APC won five of the nine House of Assembly seats, while the PDP won four. What is the really more popular party, then? He said.

Even though Omo-Agege welcomed other PDP leaders, he rejected the idea of allowing former Governor Okowa and Governor Oborevwori to join the APC.

Except for Okowa and Oborevwori, we welcome everyone. They ought to stay with the PDP and work to restructure it.

“We will not let individuals with dubious backgrounds ruin the hard-earned success of this party, which we have constructed from the ground up.”

The former Deputy Senate President also gave APC members the assurance that any internal party issues will be settled prior to the general elections in 2027. He asserted that the opposition party would be rendered obsolete by the upcoming election cycle due to the national turmoil inside the PDP.

“We should capitalize on the PDP’s larger concerns rather than concentrating on our own internal troubles. In 2027, are we even certain that PDP will still be around? Their national situation continues to intensify.

“Our goal should be to re-elect President Bola Tinubu and win the upcoming elections.”

Noting that three PDP members of the House of Representatives and multiple members of the House of Assembly were already getting ready to defect, Omo-Agege disclosed that more PDP lawmakers were expected to join the APC.

Three senators will join us soon, and I know that three members of the PDP House of Representatives are joining the APC. We’ll also have several members of the House of Assembly.

Members of the House of Assembly were being suppressed by Governor Oborevwori’s administration, he claimed, and several of them were considering defecting.

Read Also: Oil and Gas Boost: Nigeria Sees $305 Billion Cash Inflow

Delta State House Assembly members are being punished by Governor Oborevwori’s administration. As a member, you are not even allowed to talk; engaging in conversation will result in immediate suspension.

They are all coming, and we are happy to have them. Okowa and the governor sheriff are the only two others who are not welcome. They ought to stay in the PDP and develop their party.

Barr. Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, reassured party members that the APC National Chairman and other responsible parties were dedicated to settling internal conflicts within the Delta APC chapter prior to the next elections.

Hon. Fada Ibudeh, Chief Stevenson Ikpade, Chief Sunny Chuks Obuseh, Hon. Fred Ofume, Pst. Paul Ebede, Lady Philomena Agholor, Dr. Goddy Ibeh, Dr. Chamberlain Dunkwu, Mr. Godwin Ogadi, and Barr. Eugene Uzum were among the party leaders who spoke at the event. To strengthen the APC in the run-up to 2027, they stressed the importance of true reconciliation.

 

Oil and Gas Boost: Nigeria Sees $305 Billion Cash Inflow

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Oil and Gas Boost: Nigeria Sees $305 Billion Cash Inflow

According to information released yesterday, the Federal Government realized $305 billion in cash inflows from the oil and gas industry between 2014 and 2024.

This was revealed by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives (NEITI) during an appearance before the Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC) in Abuja by Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, the organization’s national coordinator and executive secretary.

Nigeria earned $54.5 in 2014, $24.79 in 2015, $17.05 in 2016, $20.9 in 2017, $32.62 in 2018, $34.21 in 2019, $20.43 in 2020, $23.04 in 2021, $35.7 in 2022, and $30.86 in 2023, according to Orji’s presentation on the country’s Oil, Gas, and Solid Minerals reports for 2021–2023.

Orji also revealed that from 1999 to 2023, the oil and gas industry brought in $831.14 for the nation.

According to him, the nation produced 800.49 barrels of crude oil in 2013, 798.60 barrels in 2014, 659.30 barrels in 2016, 690.50 barrels in 2017, 701.10 barrels in 2018, 735.20 barrels in 2019, 646.70 barrels in 2020, 656.20 barrels in 2021, 490.95 barrels in 2022, and 537.00 barrels in 2023.

Orji informed the lawmakers that the country’s gas production between 2019 and 2023 was 13,817,622 standard cubic feet (scf). However, he also stated that, as the ninth-largest gas producer in the world and the top producer in Africa, Nigeria needs to invest $200 billion in gas infrastructure in order to maximize its natural resources.

Nonetheless, the SPAC, which was chaired by Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada, denounced as unacceptable the scenario in which the solid minerals sector contributed less than 1% of the country’s GDP annually.

According to Orji, $200 billion is needed to install the necessary infrastructure in order to boost the nation’s gas resource production.

According to NEITI’s conclusions, Nigeria must invest at least $20 billion annually in gas infrastructure over a ten-year period, he stated.

All that Qatar Energy does is process gas using the necessary infrastructure.

In order to evacuate gas, Nigeria must invest in gas infrastructure. According to our analysis, this will require an initial investment of $20 billion per year for ten years in order to build the kind of gas infrastructure needed to supply gas to all of Africa and beyond.

Naturally, this will necessitate the installation of gas pipelines throughout the West African subregion and beyond, which will cost a significant amount of money.

Orji responded that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has started looking into the $8.5 billion in unremitted revenue into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CR) that was allegedly unremitted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission in 2023.

Read Also: IGP Issues Warning on Police Involvement in Civil Disputes

He did, however, emphasize that the solid minerals industry is not generating the nation’s desired income because its yearly profits account for less than 1% of GDP.

The Chairman and committee members, who were apparently upset by the disclosure, said that NEITI’s report on solid minerals did not accurately represent the state of the solid mineral industry.

They questioned why Nasarawa, Zamfara, Kebbi, Plateau, Bauchi, and other states were not included in the study, only states like Ogun, Osun, Kogi, Edo, Ebonyi, Rivers, Cross Rivers, and FCT.

Senator Wadada called it absurd and intolerable because solid minerals only contribute less than 1% of the nation’s GDP annually.

“This absolutely cannot go on; the sector needs to be completely restructured,” he stated.

IGP Issues Warning on Police Involvement in Civil Disputes

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IGP Issues Warning on Police Involvement in Civil Disputes

Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), has issued a warning against the abuse of police power in civil issues, especially those involving land ownership.

This was said in a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer.

According to Egbetokun, police officers are not empowered to handle civil cases unless there is a criminal component at play.

Even in these situations, he said, investigations must be supervised by the state’s Commissioners of Police, who will be responsible for the procedure and results.

Concerns regarding the unnecessary and unethical practice of transferring ongoing cases as well as the abuse of public office by some officers and individuals were also brought up by the I-G.

The actions, which impede investigations and erode public trust in the force, will no longer be accepted, according to Egbetokun.

According to him, the nation’s policing must continue to be guided by the values of accountability, professionalism, and transparency.

Accordingly, all staff members and supervising officials, especially those in investigative units, ought to treat cases with thoroughness and honesty.

“Any officer who is discovered to be misusing their office or transferring case files arbitrarily will be subject to severe disciplinary measures,” he stated.

According to him, it has been decided that the frequent practice of moving cases that are still being investigated between formations without permission is inappropriate.

According to Egbetokun, such measures waste resources, cause needless delays, and place an excessive strain on all parties.

Egbetokun pledged to solve the problem and denounced the submission of baseless or malicious petitions intended to annoy or intimidate.

He stated that going forward, a declaration attesting to the validity and legitimacy of the petitions must be included with every one sent to the police.

According to him, the petition needs to make it very evident that no other law enforcement agency had received the complaint.

If it had, it must have been withdrawn before the police were called, according to the police chief.

Read Also: Cyberbullying: Reno Omokri Lied, Court Never Vacated His Arrest Warrant – Christian Group

He declared that anyone who submitted pointless petitions would be subject to the proper penalties for providing the police with misleading information.

Instead of submitting concerns and petitions to the I-G’s office, Egbetokun advised the public to go straight to the relevant Police Commands, Divisions, or Units.

Except in situations that call for review, appeal, or special intervention, he said.

The public was warned by the I-G not to influence police intervention by portraying civil disputes as criminal cases.

Cyberbullying: Reno Omokri Lied, Court Never Vacated His Arrest Warrant – Christian Group

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Cyberbullying: Reno Omokri Lied, Court Never Vacated His Arrest Warrant – Christian Group

James Paul Adama, the Convener of the Concerned Christian Youth Forum, has described as untrue the recent claim by Reno Omokri that the warrant of arrest issued against him by a court has been quashed.

Recall that the court, presided over by His Worship, Chief Emmanuel A. Iyanna, issued the remand warrant against Omokri through an ex-parte motion filed by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on January 13, 2025, for defaming Christianity and harassing religious leaders online.

However, Omokri, in a post on his Facebook page, claimed that the order had been vacated by the court.

The Concerned Christian Youth Forum, which launched the petition, said Reno’s claim is false and misleading.

Adama, in a statement on Monday, said that contrary to Omokri’s claim, Pastor Paul Enenche never at any point initiated or filed any legal case against him.

He vowed that the group’s primary goal is to put an end to the disparaging remarks and cyberbullying directed at Christianity and its leaders.

His statement reads:

“I am here today to correct a false assertion made by Reno Omokri and his legal team regarding the claim that his remand warrant was quashed. It is simply untrue and has been made with the intention of creating a deceptive narrative.

“It is important to set the record straight and to ensure that the public is not misled by this misinformation. The matter is ongoing.

“To clarify the matter and set the records straight, contrary to Reno’s misleading claims in his malicious report, Dr. Paul Enenche has never at any point initiated or filed any legal case against him.

“The case in question was brought forward by the concerned Christian youths, not Dr. Enenche, and we have already addressed this fact in our previous media conferences.

“Despite Reno’s continuous and unwarranted attacks on Dr. Paul Enenche, it is important to note that Dr. Enenche has consistently refused to lower himself to Reno’s level by dignifying him with a response — that is, if he even has enough time to read or listen to Reno’s blabbings.

“Reno, a known blackmailer who is notorious for speaking from both sides of his mouth, has no moral high ground to stand on in this matter.

“Dr. Enenche has always maintained his dignity and refused to engage in petty squabbles with morally bankrupt individuals who thrive on falsehood and deceit.

“Reno must take responsibility for his actions and face the concerned Christian youth, who are the rightful parties in this matter.

“It is high time he stopped dragging Dr. Paul Enenche into his ignoble web of lies, hypocrisy, and deceit.

“Dr. Enenche will continue to focus on his ministry and the positive impact he is making in the lives of countless people around the world, leaving Reno to deal with the consequences of his own egregious actions.

“I am perplexed as to why Reno Omokri and his lawyer would attempt to deceive the public by claiming that the magistrate dismissed his case.

“The truth of the matter is that Reno Omokri is still facing legal proceedings, and the claim that his remand warrant has been quashed or that he has been cleared of any wrongdoing is false.

“This misrepresentation of facts is typical of Omokri’s modus operandi, as he has long sought to subvert the truth in order to suit his own agenda.

“The fact remains that the absence of Reno Omokri’s name from the FIR is merely a procedural issue and does not absolve him of any wrongdoing. As the legal process moves forward, it will be up to the courts to determine the veracity of the allegations and deliver justice accordingly. I have obtained the CTC of the court ruling of that day, and it is contrary to the assertion being peddled by Reno Omokri and his co-traveler.

“The misguided ploy of Omokri and his cohort amounts to little more than a desperate attempt to divert attention from the stark reality. This is to remind Reno Omokri that no matter how far he runs, the long arm of the law will, inevitably, catch up with him.

“Reno Omokri’s suggestion that his legal troubles are centered solely around Dr. Pastor Paul Enenche is patently false. This assertion is nothing more than a cheap attempt to besmirch the reputation of a respected religious leader. Reno’s constant fixation with Dr. Enenche, coupled with his desperate attempts to gain the Pastor’s attention, resembles the futile efforts of a rabbit attempting to catch a lion. Such behavior is not only absurd but also incredibly self-defeating.

“There is no need to engage in a battle of wits with a man who possesses none. Reno Omokri’s history of duplicity and deception is well-known, rendering any attempt to engage with him futile. Even the most inexperienced of individuals, such as a young child, possess more integrity and character than he.

“The Concerned Christian Youth Forum, mindful of this truth, will pursue legal recourse through established channels, confident that the justice system will shine a light on Reno’s unscrupulous tactics.”

Peter Obi Defends Critics, Says Exposing Bad Governance Isn’t Wrong

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Peter Obi Defends Critics, Says Exposing Bad Governance Isn’t Wrong

Peter Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate, has stated that the government had to be concerned about Nigeria’s unfavorable reputation among other countries.
Obi reportedly stated that Kemi Badenoch, the head of the UK Conservative Party, should act as a wake-up call for all residents and the government to improve the country’s governance.
The former presidential candidate criticized the attacks on Badenoch for speaking truth to power in a statement headlined “What should we make of all the negative remarks about Nigeria?” released on Tuesday.
Kemi Badenoch, a prominent figure in the UK’s Conservative Party and a native of Nigeria, recently made a harsh jab at our beloved nation.

She declared that she would not like for Britain to resemble impoverished Nigeria, where lives are destroyed by an ineffective administration.

Reactions to her remarks have been divided among Nigerians; some have attacked her, while others believe she just stated the obvious and shouldn’t be demonized.

A few years back, a reputable Nigerian daily bemoaned an article that used extremely negative language to depict Nigeria in an informational piece intended for Americans planning a trip there.

“Insecurity and inadequate infrastructure were the two main issues noted in the travel recommendation.

“Our performance in these two areas is appallingly poor, as anyone acquainted with the Nigerian landscape knows. Unfortunately, the US embassy was not afraid to bring this to light.

Regarding health, the report affirmed that although Nigeria has highly qualified medical personnel, the nation lacks high-quality healthcare facilities.

It was mentioned that important drugs, such as those for diabetes and high blood pressure, are frequently out of stock and that people should buy pharmaceuticals extremely carefully because of the dangers of fakes.

Read Also:FG Calls on World Bank to Bolster Economic Stability

“The situation is still pretty much the same, if not worse, five years after those comments. International criticism, like that of Badenoch, and unfavorable comments on government websites alerting the nation’s residents should act as a challenge for us to improve. Using blind patriotism to disparage people who criticize us is insufficient, he stated.

The former governor of Anambra State cautioned that the administration might not be able to draw in international investors if it doesn’t address issues with development.

Rather, we ought to utilize these critiques as a springboard to give priority to important areas of growth and enhance the quality of life for our citizens.

How can we hope to draw in investors when derogatory statements cautioning residents against certain hazards are posted on a nation’s official websites? We should be motivated to work toward a new Nigeria by these painful rebukes, especially those from inside,” he continued.

FG Calls on World Bank to Bolster Economic Stability

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FG Calls on World Bank to Bolster Economic Stability

The World Bank’s assistance and collaboration with the nation to expand its economy has been recognized by the Federal Government.
According to reports, Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, was dedicated to growth driven by the private sector and less dependence on outside loan finance.
Edun made this claim in a statement released by Mohammed Manga, the Ministry’s spokesperson, after meeting with Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, the Executive Director of the World Bank, on Monday.

The gathering was a component of a larger plan to use funding sources other than conventional multilateral loans.
Edun praised the World Bank’s contribution to Nigeria’s development but underlined the government’s emphasis on creating an atmosphere that is conducive to business and draws in long-term investments.

Ahmed, a former Finance Minister of Nigeria, commended the nation’s macroeconomic reforms, saying they have increased investor confidence and budgetary stability.

She emphasized how the World Bank’s recent financial changes have increased its lending capacity, opening up an extra $150 billion in financing over the ensuing ten years.

Nigeria’s involvement in Mission 300, the World Bank’s program to give 300 million Africans access to power, was a major topic of conversation.

Edun reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the initiative, emphasizing the importance of better electricity infrastructure for industrial development, economic progress, and the competitiveness of the private sector.

He underlined that President Bola Tinubu is still committed to securing long-term, private-sector-led growth, bolstering Nigeria’s economic base, and lowering reliance on foreign borrowing.

El-Rufai Hits Uba Sani: Kaduna People Will Judge When the Time Comes

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El-Rufai Hits Uba Sani: Kaduna People Will Judge When the Time Comes

The governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has come under fire from former governor Nasir El-Rufai for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In an interview on TVC on Monday, Governor Sani reportedly attacked politicians who were planning to band together to remove Tinubu from office in the 2027 presidential election.
The majority of the politicians who have stated that they are joining a coalition are those who were in power less than two years ago, according to Governor Sani. When they were in government, what did they do? They weren’t competing for superiority; they were just vying for power.President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the first Nigerian president to have truly exercised democracy.

El-Rufai responded to the Governor’s remark on Tuesday by calling it sycophantically rambling and embarrassing in a post on X.

He charged that Sani was supporting Tinubu due to the state’s recent billion-dollar refund from the federal government.

Read Also: FG, NLC Reach Agreement on Proposed 50% Telecom Tariff Hike

El-Rufai wrote: “I used to wonder why this governor would ramble in such an embarrassing and sycophantic manner every day. But now that it has been confirmed that Tinubu has granted Kaduna more than N150 billion in Federal Government “reimbursements, interventions, and grants” over the past 18 months, everything makes sense.

“Defend Asiwaju for the conditional cash transfer at all costs. From you, Asiwaju has earned it. At the appropriate time and location, the people of Kaduna State will render their judgment. Enjoy your day.

FG, NLC Reach Agreement on Proposed 50% Telecom Tariff Hike

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FG, NLC Reach Agreement on Proposed 50% Telecom Tariff Hike

An agreement has been reached between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Federal Government (FG) about the proposed 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs.

At a conference called by the federal government and the NLC to discuss the projected increase in telecom tariffs, an agreement was reached on Monday that included this information.

The MoU was signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, Minister of Labor and Employment Muhammadu Dingyadi, and Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Read Also: NUPRC Fights Oil Diversion, Bans Export of Domestic Supply

As you may remember, on February 4, the NLC summoned a one-day statewide mass protest in protest of the proposed rise.
In order to address the majority of the difficult issues brought up during the conversation, the parties agreed to meet in a technical group, according to the MoU.
As part of the resolution, a joint committee including five representatives from the FG and the NLC is established.

It is anticipated that the committee would complete and submit its findings in two weeks.

Nigerians were asked to maintain composure as the committee wrapped up its work.

NUPRC Fights Oil Diversion, Bans Export of Domestic Supply

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NUPRC Fights Oil Diversion, Bans Export of Domestic Supply

In an effort to increase domestic refinery capacity and decrease dependency on imported petroleum products, the Federal Government has prohibited the export of crude oil intended for domestic refineries.
It was understood that the goal of this step is to relieve pressure on foreign exchange reserves as well.
For years, dealers and producers have sought to profit from foreign exchange gains by diverting an estimated 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil intended for local processing to foreign markets.

Now, the government has issued a warning through the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) that export permits will no longer be granted for crude oil cargoes designated for local refining.
Additionally, the commission stressed that its Chief Executive must directly approve any modifications to these allocations.

The Government Takes Diversionary Action
On February 2, 2025, NUPRC’s Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, wrote to exploration and production businesses and their equity partners, emphasizing that it is illegal to divert crude oil meant for domestic use.

Refiners and producers criticized one another for inconsistent use of the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO) regulation at a recent industry gathering attended by more than 50 important participants.

In order to find alternate feedstock sources, refiners accused producers of not fulfilling supply agreements and instead selling oil on the global market.

However, manufacturers contended that refiners frequently fall short of operational and commercial standards, forcing them to look for alternative markets in order to circumvent operational difficulties.

Both parties recognized the necessity for more stringent regulatory enforcement in spite of these disagreements.

Tightened Regulations
The NUPRC has cautioned against additional violations and urged refiners to adhere to global best practices in operations and procurement.

It was also emphasized to producers that they need the regulatory body’s express consent before changing the terms outlined in the DCSO regulation.

Komolafe highlighted that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, specifically Section 109, is intended to ensure Nigeria’s energy security by providing a consistent supply of crude oil to domestic refineries.

He reaffirmed that in order to hold defaulters accountable, the commission would enforce compliance rigorously and take appropriate regulatory action.

In order to guarantee compliance, the NUPRC has implemented a number of measures, such as signing the “Production Curtailment and Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligation Regulation 2023” and creating a framework for its implementation.

Naira-for-Crude Initiative Strengthening
Sources tell Vanguard that this most recent action is in line with the government’s “Naira-for-Crude” program, which guarantees that domestic refineries use naira to receive crude oil and use the local currency to sell refined products.

Nigeria would be able to better meet its local gasoline demand thanks to this move, which is also anticipated to strengthen the value of the naira.

How Car Gift Spark A Row Between Defence Minister, Matawalle, Former Commissioner

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How Car Gift Spark A Row Between Defence Minister, Matawalle, Former Commissioner

A car gift has sparked a row between the minister of state for defence and former governor of Zamfara state, Alhaji Bello Matawalle and his media handler, who also served as Information commissioner in his cabinet in the state, Malam Ibrahim Dosara.

It was gathered that controversy broke out between the minister and Dosara, a highly experienced British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, trained journalist, with a Facebook outrage alleged to have been sponsored by the minister against him.

In the Facebook post, the former information commissioner was terribly castigated by the minister ‘s facebookers, calling him all sort names, including blackmailing his patent rights.

According to findings, the row began when the minister ordered his aides to give the former commissioner a used car ( Mercedes 230 car 2005 model) which Dosara gifted out to one of his social media managers.

The action angered the minister and his allies which led to media attacks and campaign of columny against Dosara.

All efforts to reach out to either the minister of state defence or Ibrahim Dosara prove abortive.

Dosara has been a strong pillar in defending the minister of state for defense in the series of litigations, petitions, negative media attacks and image making.

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