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Former Czech Coach Banned for Life Over Secret Recordings of Female Players

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  UEFA has issued a lifetime ban from all football-related activity to former coach Petr Vlachovsky after finding him guilty of secretly filming women footballers in changing rooms and showers. UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body ruled that Vlachovsky had breached regulations relating to insulting and indecent behaviour, as well as bringing the game into disrepute. The decision follows criminal proceedings in the Czech Republic, where he had already received a suspended one-year prison sentence and a five-year coaching ban. Announcing the ruling on Tuesday, UEFA confirmed the severity of the sanction. “The individual is banned from exercising any football-related activity for life,” the disciplinary body stated. Authorities said the case involved covert recordings of players over a period of four years while Vlachovsky was coaching women and girls at top-tier club 1. FC Slovácko. He was arrested in September 2023 after police discovered the footage online, and investigators also found material linked to child sexual abuse offences. The global players’ union FIFPRO said players only learned what had happened after his arrest. A spokesperson described how the recordings were hidden, saying, “The players were filmed using a camera concealed in a backpack, and the youngest was aged 17.” The emotional impact on victims has been severe. Some players later told Czech media that the experience left them deeply traumatised. UEFA has also formally requested that world football’s governing body, FIFA, extend the ban worldwide and instructed the Czech Football Association to revoke Vlachovsky’s coaching licence. Vlachovsky, once regarded as a leading figure in Czech women’s football and a former coach of the Czech Republic U-19 women’s team, has now been permanently removed from the sport following the findings.

Outrage Grows Over Oyo School Attack As Stakeholders Call For Victims’ Rescue

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  Condemnations have continued to trail the recent attack and kidnapping in three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, with many describing the incident as barbaric, disturbing, and a threat to education and public safety. Among those who reacted to the attack were the Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Yunus Akintunde; an All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant, Ololade Bakare; and the Sooko Agoriesin of Ile-Ife, Oladotun Hassan. The attack on three schools in the Ahoro-Esinele/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso in Oriire LG led to the killing of no fewer than two persons, the abduction of seven teachers, and the abduction of more than 30 students. Viral videos showed some of those abducted asking the government to intensify efforts to secure their release, and the gruesome killing of one of the abducted teachers. Governor Seyi Makinde, during a broadcast on the incident, said security agencies had already arrested six suspects and three other persons of interest. Reacting on Monday, Akintunde, in a statement made available to journalists, described the attack on schools and innocent children as painful and unacceptable. Akintunde said, “My heart goes out to the affected pupils, teachers, parents, and the entire communities. An attack on innocent children and places of learning is painful and unacceptable.” He commended security agencies and the Oyo State Government for their swift response to the incident, while urging them to intensify efforts to rescue all abducted victims safely. The senator also called for the immediate prosecution of those responsible for the attack, stressing that insecurity must not disrupt learning or create fear among residents. On her part, Bakare condemned the abduction of the students and teachers, describing the incident as a “heinous and cowardly attack.” He said, “The targeting of our schools is a disgrace and a betrayal of our collective responsibility to safeguard the future of our children. “Oyo State, with its proud history as a centre of learning and civilisation, must not be reduced to a place where students are hunted, and educators are terrorised.” The APC chieftain blamed the worsening insecurity on what he termed the failure of leadership, insisting that urgent and decisive action must be taken to restore public confidence. Bakare urged security agencies to intensify rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims, warning that “anything less than urgent action is unacceptable.” Also reacting, Hassan described the killings as barbaric, wicked, and unacceptable, noting that schools should remain safe spaces for learning and moral development. He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue all victims still in captivity and ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted. Hassan also advocated for stronger collaboration among security agencies, local vigilantes, hunters, OPC, and Agbekoya groups to improve surveillance of vulnerable communities and schools. The monarch further appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Osun State Government to convene the second edition of the Yoruba Obas Conference to address rising insecurity, kidnappings, and violent attacks across Yorubaland. He urged Nigerians to support security operations through vigilance and intelligence sharing, stressing that insecurity could only be defeated through collective commitment and unity.

Makinde Promises Safe Return Of Kidnapped Oyo Teachers, Students Despite Explosive Attacks On Security Team

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  Governor Seyi Makinde has assured residents of Oyo State that his administration would deploy every available resource to secure the safe rescue of teachers and students abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of the state. The governor gave the assurance on Sunday during a press briefing with security chiefs, amid growing tension over the abduction of pupils, students and school staff from communities in the Oriire axis. Makinde disclosed that some members of the joint security operation involved in rescue efforts were wounded after suspected terrorists detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted around the Old Oyo National Park, where the victims were reportedly being held. According to him, the injured operatives, including personnel of the Amotekun Corps and the Nigerian Army, are currently receiving medical treatment. The governor described the situation as painful and challenging, promising that the state government would continue to intensify both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to secure the victims’ release. “First, let me appeal to the families involved that their government is working around the clock to ensure that we tackle the challenges and support our troops and service commanders,” Makinde said. “What we know right now is that seven teachers were abducted. Unfortunately, we got a video this morning showing that one of the teachers, believed to be the Mathematics teacher, was seriously injured by the terrorists.” He added that there may not be immediate solutions due to the complexity of the operation, but vowed that the government would “push itself to the limits” to ensure the victims return safely. The governor also confirmed that religious leaders, community elders and other stakeholders had joined intervention efforts, including the Nigerian Baptist Convention, since one of the affected schools belongs to the denomination. “There have been interventions from leaders, elders, and religious leaders, especially the Baptist Convention because one of the affected schools is a Baptist school,” he stated. Makinde appealed to residents of the affected communities to cooperate with security agencies and avoid actions capable of frustrating ongoing rescue operations. The abduction occurred on Friday when armed men invaded schools in Yawota and Esiele communities in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting teachers and students in one of the most disturbing attacks recorded in the area. The governor further disclosed that preliminary investigations had uncovered possible collaboration between the attackers and some residents within the affected communities. According to security reports presented during the briefing, six suspects had already been arrested over alleged involvement in logistics and information sharing for the terrorists, while three other persons of interest were also being interrogated by security agencies. “Some of them are believed to be informants or people handling logistics for the terrorists,” the governor said. Makinde stressed that sustained government presence in vulnerable communities remained critical in the fight against insecurity, warning that terrorists could return once security operations are relaxed. He also acknowledged concerns over the safety of schools in remote communities and assured residents that the government would continue reviewing and strengthening security architecture around educational institutions and other vulnerable locations. The governor confirmed that he had also engaged neighbouring states, including Kwara State, on the need to strengthen cross-border security cooperation to prevent future attacks. Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command and other security agencies have continued coordinated operations aimed at rescuing the abducted victims and apprehending those behind the attacks.

Ooni Opens up on Ridicule Over Delay in Having Children

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  The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has opened up about the emotional struggles, public backlash, and intense pressure he faced over delays in having children after becoming king. In a statement issued on Saturday in Ile-Ife by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, Oba Ogunwusi said he was openly mocked by some people during the difficult period. According to the statement, the Ooni made the remarks while receiving visitors who came to celebrate with him on the birth of twin princes by one of his wives, Queen Mariam. “I thank God today. There is nothing God cannot do,” the Ooni said, expressing joy over the latest addition to the royal family. The traditional ruler, however, noted that he never envisaged marrying many wives while growing up, adding that circumstances and traditional demands associated with the throne altered the course of his marital life. Oba Ogunwusi said his life journey had been marked by unexpected challenges and mysteries, particularly after ascending the throne of Oduduwa. He recounted facing intense pressure shortly after becoming the Ooni to quickly settle into royal marital responsibilities. The traditional ruler also revealed that efforts were made at the time to persuade his former wife to relocate to Ile-Ife, with several prominent traditional rulers and influential personalities intervening, but the move did not materialise. Reflecting on his early years, the Ooni disclosed that he became a father at the age of 19, describing the experience as one of the most challenging periods of his life. He said the development initially overwhelmed him, but his mother played a significant role in encouraging him to remain focused, hardworking, and determined. Oba Ogunwusi also appreciated the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for her support and encouragement over the years, describing her as a mother figure who stood firmly by him during difficult moments. The traditional ruler thanked the visitors for their prayers, love, and steadfast support, noting that the mother of the twins also extended her greetings to all who stood by her. Earlier, the Chief Imam of Ifeland, Alhaji Abdulsemiu Abdulhammed, said the Muslim community and other well-wishers came to rejoice with the Ooni over the blessing. “We have come to rejoice with Kabiyesi. It is God who makes a person laugh when he laughs. “God created everything, and childbirth comes only by His command. Kabiyesi, this is worthy of thanksgiving,” he said. Visitors to the palace included members of the Ife Muslim Community, the Hausa Community, traditional rulers from Ife North, the Giesi Ruling House, captains of industry, businessmen, and various cultural groups, among others. (NAN)

Tinubu confirms ISIS Commander Killed in Nigeria-US Operation

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  President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the death of a top Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, popularly known as Abu-Mainok, following a joint military operation by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin. In a statement personally signed on Saturday, Tinubu said the operation marked “a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism” between both countries. The President said Nigerian troops, working with the US Armed Forces, carried out “a daring joint operation that dealt a heavy blow to the ranks of the Islamic State.” He added that “early assessments confirm the elimination of the wanted IS senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants, during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.” Tinubu described the operation as a major step in advancing the security objectives of both countries and commended the forces involved for their conduct. “Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives. I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort,” the statement read. The President also praised military personnel from both countries, saying, “I commend the personnel involved on both sides for their professionalism and courage, and I look forward to more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation.” The development comes amid renewed military offensives against insurgent groups operating in the North-East and the Lake Chad region, where Islamic State-linked factions have sustained attacks on military formations and civilian communities. United States President Donald Trump had earlier confirmed the operation, describing Al-Minuki as “the most active terrorist in the world.” “Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday. Trump said the slain militant leader, whom he described as the “second in command of ISIS globally,” had believed he could evade capture in Africa. “Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing,” he said. The US leader added that Al-Minuki, who was placed under American sanctions in 2023 over his ties to the Islamic State group, would “no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans.” He further stated that “with his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished,” while thanking the Nigerian government for its “partnership” in the operation. The joint operation underscores growing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States as both countries intensify efforts to weaken extremist networks operating across the Lake Chad Basin and the wider West African region.

EPL, FA Trophies Win won’t Define Man City’s Season, says Guardiola

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  Pep Guardiola insisted Manchester City have had a successful season whether or not they win the Premier League title or Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea. Guardiola’s side will put their attempt to catch Premier League leaders Arsenal on hold as they head to Wembley for a fourth successive FA Cup final appearance. City start every season with the Premier League and Champions League as their main targets, but they are on the verge of falling short in both. Knocked out of the Champions League last-16 by Real Madrid in March, City will be five points behind Arsenal if the Gunners beat relegated Burnley at home on Monday. Guardiola’s men can close the gap back to two points with a victory at Bournemouth in their penultimate match of the season on Tuesday. But Arsenal would then still be able to guarantee their first English title since 2004 by winning at Crystal Palace on May 24. Having already won the League Cup by beating Arsenal, City have a chance for a domestic double this weekend. However, Guardiola is adamant the campaign has been positive, no matter what happens at Wembley or in the title race. “It depends on the trophies you lift. Sometimes you lift trophies and the season has been successful,” said Guardiola, who would only offer “we’ll see” when asked if Rodri would be fit to start in midfield. “Sometimes, you lift and the truth is the season has been really, really bad. “I said a few weeks ago this season has been good. Really, really good.” – ‘Do better’ – After starting with Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku on the bench for Wednesday’s win against Crystal Palace, Guardiola isdon’t likely to field a full-strength team against Chelsea instead of prioritising the title fight. “It is the final of the FA Cup. The message is there are two prestigious clubs at Wembley in the FA Cup final. Our fans make an incredible effort to come down to London. It is not cheap,” he said. “We try to perform as much as possible to win. It is always the game-plan.” City have lost the last two FA Cup finals against Crystal Palace and Manchester United, who they had beaten in the 2023 showpiece. “There’s excitement, of course. I hope we can do better than the last two times,” Guardiola said. “Wembley is still a special place. Everything is so nice. The pitch is extraordinary. We are desperate to perform well.” Ahead of his 24th trip to Wembley with City, Guardiola joked that he is “so disappointed” heyou has not had a stand named after him at the home of English football. and “So many times I have been there, at least a lounge or a box orEPL, FA trophies win won’t define Man City’s season, says Guardiola something like that. Maybe I have to go 24 more times!” he said. Guardiola has one year left on his City contract and is yet to sign a new deal amid speculation that he could end his decade at the Etihad Stadium once the current campaign is over. Asked about reports that City’s fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura and goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor are set to leave the club, Guardiola said with a smirk: “I extended the contract with them three more years,” before adding: “Nope.”  

After Three-Nation Visit, Tinubu Returns To Lagos

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  President Bola Tinubu returned to Lagos on Friday following a three-nation tour of France, Kenya, and Rwanda. Tinubu’s aircraft touched down at about 7:12 p.m. at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja. According to a statement issued by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president was received by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Femi Hamzat; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; and other government officials. “President Tinubu, while in France, met with global investors, emphasising transparency and fiscal discipline and explaining the rationale for the swift implementation of the bold economic reforms his administration has instituted. “He also participated in the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, co-hosted by President Emmanuel Macron of France and President William Ruto. “At the event, President Tinubu called for a reform of global financial architecture and a stronger economic integration that prioritises Africa’s growth and prosperity. “He also highlighted Nigeria’s potential in the blue economy as one of the cornerstones of Africa’s development, with a commitment to share Nigeria’s maritime intelligence infrastructure with willing Gulf of Guinea states,” the statement read. While in Nairobi, Tinubu also held a bilateral meeting with the Madagascan President, Michael Randrianirina. In Kigali, Rwanda, the President joined other African leaders, investors and chief executive officers at the Africa CEO Forum, where discussions focused on accelerating Africa’s economic transformation through regional integration and cross-border investments. He also met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and delegations from multilateral and multinational firms, including the International Finance Corporation, APM Terminals and the Winme Group. According to the statement, the meetings recorded “notable favourable outcomes.” Tinubu also participated in panel sessions and discussions centred on his administration’s economic reform agenda. The statement further disclosed that the President would participate in the All Progressives Congress primaries scheduled to begin on Saturday while in Lagos. It added that Tinubu had earlier urged party members participating in the primaries to maintain peace and conduct themselves as “sportsmen and women in the overall interest of the party and our country.”

Desmond Elliot Breaks Silence, Apologises To Gbajabiamila Over Political Rift

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  Lagos lawmaker and Nollywood actor, Desmond Elliot, has tendered a public apology to his political mentor and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, admitting that he may have caused offence during his political engagements. Elliot made the apology during an appearance on TVC’s Your View on Friday, where he said any misunderstanding was unintentional and insisted he remained committed to party unity and development in his constituency. His apology comes amid previous political tensions linked to the Lagos State House of Assembly leadership crisis, during which Gbajabiamila had revealed that he nearly lost his position at the Presidency due to allegations tied to Elliot’s political activities. Gbajabiamila had said President Bola Tinubu confronted him over intelligence reports suggesting Elliot’s involvement in moves around the Assembly speakership tussle, a claim he denied at the time. Speaking on the programme, Elliot said he grew into politics under the guidance of a senior colleague he described as his “egbon”, adding that emotions and misunderstandings may have contributed to past friction. “I’m not saying, oh, yes, media will come out, oh yes, Desmond begs again. Yes, because he’s my egbon. And I grew up learning everything I knew in politics through him,” he said. He added that human error could not be ruled out in political relationships. “To err is human, to forgive is divine. So I’m sorry, my daddy, if I’ve offended you in any way,” he said. Elliot also extended his apology to who he described as the “matriarch of Surulere”, saying he regretted any offence caused. “To the matriarch of Surulere, mama, I’m sorry if I’ve offended you,” he said. Despite the apology, he maintained that he remains focused on strengthening the party and delivering on his mandate. “But I will keep keeping the party strong. And to all Surulerians, my scorecard is there. You know the things I’ve done to make Surulere a better place,” he added. The Lagos Assembly crisis, which involved leadership tensions within the All Progressives Congress, had triggered internal disputes before it was eventually resolved through high-level interventions.

Panic In Oyo As Gunmen Kill Teacher, Abduct Pupils And School Staff

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  The Oyo State Police Command says it has begun a massive manhunt and rescue mission after armed hoodlums carried out coordinated attacks on schools and nearby communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state. According to a statement issued on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the attack occurred in the early hours of May 15, 2026, and led to the death of an assistant headmaster. The police said preliminary investigation showed that the attackers, who operated on motorcycles, simultaneously invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School/L. A Primary School, Esiele, abducting pupils, students and staff members, including the Vice Principal, Mrs Alamu Folawe. Ayanlade said no pupil or student had been confirmed killed as at the time of filing this report, adding that an assistant headmaster, identified as Mr Adesiyan, was killed during the attack. He also disclosed that an okada rider was shot dead after reportedly resisting attempts by the attackers to seize his motorcycle. The police said, “The command further gathered that Community Grammar School, Esiele, operates within the same premises as L. A Primary School, Esiele. The attackers, after abducting some victims, also took away a Toyota Corolla vehicle belonging to the abducted Vice Principal and later set the vehicle ablaze along the road leading to the forest. “Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately led operatives alongside other service commanders to the scene for on-the-spot assessment and operational coordination, while simultaneously directing a comprehensive manhunt for the perpetrators. “Operational assets, tactical teams and intelligence platforms have since been deployed to the affected communities to prevent any further breakdown of law and order, ensure public safety and facilitate the rescue of the abducted victims as well as the apprehension of those responsible for the heinous act.” The police urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and provide credible information that could aid ongoing rescue efforts.

Abiodun Endorses Salisu for Senate, Unveils Yayi as APC Consensus Candidate

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  Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday introduced the Senator representing Ogun West and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, to stakeholders and party leaders in Ogun Central as the APC’s consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election. The governor also endorsed Shuaib Salisu as their senatorial candidate for the forthcoming election. Speaking while presenting Senator Adeola to party members at an event held at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, Abiodun said it was the turn of Ogun Central to endorse the party’s candidate after similar endorsements by party members from Ogun East and Ogun West Senatorial Districts. Abiodun said, “The decision of the party stakeholders to endorse Sen Solomon Adeola is based on the quality and experience he possesses, having served as a member of the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and now as a serving senator. “And the consensus method was introduced to ensure the emergence of credible and widely accepted candidates who have contributed meaningfully to the growth and development of the party in the state, the party executives are committed to ensuring peaceful and rancour-free primary elections.” He described the process that produced the Senator Adeola as unprecedented in the state, adding that it has become a reference point for other states in the country. The governor called on party faithful to embrace peace and unity ahead of the party’s forthcoming primary elections. “Ogun State remains a model among states in the country in terms of party organisation. I want to urge you to sustain the existing momentum during the electioneering period. I can assure you that, with the help of God, we will emerge victorious,” he said. Abiodun noted that continuity in governance can only be achieved through peace, unity, and collective commitment within the party. Abiodun also at the event raised up the hand of the incumbent senator representing Ogun Central, Sen Shuaib as the party’s 2027 consensus candidate for the senatorial district. Shuaib is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity. Abiodun described Salisu, who was his Chief of Staff during his first term in office, as a dependable and reliable politician and administrator. “He is consistent. He is dependable and reliable,” the governor said. He added that the senator would continue his good work and make adjustments in areas he had not touched during his first term. While appreciating the people of Ogun Central for their support for his administration, he said the support has enabled the state to maintain one of the fastest-growing economies in the country. He announced that the party’s direct primary elections would commence on Friday and urged members to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid actions capable of undermining the integrity of the process. Accepting the endorsement, Senator Adeola said he was taking the endorsement seriously to ensure that the party and the government continue to move forward. He pledged to sustain the legacies and consolidate on the gains of the present administration to move the state to the next level. “I will not take this endorsement for granted. I will ensure that the peace and unity existing in the state and the party are sustained,” he concluded. Also speaking at the event, Salisu, a Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society expressed gratitude to party members for the overwhelming support given to him. The ICT expert vowed to justify the confidence reposed in him. Born in Abeokuta, Salisu holds degrees in Computer Science and Management from the University of Lagos, including a B.Sc., M.Sc., and MBA, and has executive training from Harvard Kennedy School. Before politics, he worked with major firms such as Total, Mobil, and ETB, and founded Simplex Automation Systems, an ICT company. He served as Chief of Staff to Governor Dapo Abiodun from 2019 to 2023 before being elected senator in 2023. In the 10th Senate, he chairs the Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity and is Vice Chairman of Media and Public Affairs. As of 2026, he is leading efforts on the Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, supporting digital journalism through equipment donations, and promoting education by providing free JAMB forms to students in his district. Earlier in his opening remarks, the state’s APC chairman, Yemi Sanusi, said the meeting was convened to discuss the party’s processes and how to ensure unity ahead of the 2027 elections, while calling for decorum during the House of Representatives primary on Friday.

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