How Obasa Offended Lagos GAC Elders

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  LAGOS – Days after his removal as Lagos Speaker, fresh facts have emerged over what led to the impeachment of Rt Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. City People, gathered that part of Rt Hon. Mudashiru Obasa’s offence was how he repeatedly showed scant regard for the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos APC leaders especially, the leadership of the Governors Advisory Council, which is the highest advisory council in Lagos State. The group set up by Pres. Bola Tinubu years back, is called The Governing Advisory Council (GAC). These are top politicians in APC who determine what happens in Lagos. They comprise of Elders of APC who provide direction for the party and usually step in, to solve difficult issues concerning the party positions. They not only determine how Lagos is run, they get consulted when it comes to major decisions like party positions. They are immensely powerful and influential. And they play an advisory role to the Governor and his Deputy. That is why GAC has been described as the highest decision making body in Lagos as far as governance is concerned. Members are major stakeholers of the party within Lagos State and their main function is to oversee the affairs of the party in the state. That was why the group stepped in during the recent face-off between the Governor and the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. They are about 25 in number, headed by Elderstatesman, Prince Tajudeen Okusi. 2 members are dead. One is Pa. Akinsanya Sunny Ajose who died a few days ago. There is also late Chief Mrs. Kemi Nelson, the former APC Deputy National Woman Leader who was also a member. Before her death, she was the only female amongst the GAC members. But right now, the body has been expanded to include key players like Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the wifie of Pres. Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Otunba Harry Ajomale (former Lagos APC Chair), Prince Abiodun Ogunleye (ex-Deputy Gov to Tinubu), Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Otunba Bushira Alebiosu, Omooba Murphy Adetoro, Sen. Anthony Adefuye, Alhaji S.A. Seriki, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun (former SSG, Lagos, Prince Rabiu Oluwa (former Island Club President), Alhaji Mutiu Are, Dr. Yomi Finnih, Alhaji Mutiu Are, Alhaji Musiliu Obanikoro, Otunba Muyiwa Sosanya, Alhaji Tunde Balogun, Mr. Wale Edun, Otunba Femi Pedro. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu & his Deputy, Femi Hamzat are also valuable members. The leader of the Council is Prince Tajudeen Olusi (MON, OON). He is 88 and well respected. He is a seasoned politician in Lagos who many politicians don’t joke with. He is an elderstatesman who is full of wisdom. He has produced no fewer than 3 generations of politicians in Lagos State. That is why his name is big in Lagos politics. Just mention Prince Tajudeen Olusi, to many Lagos politicians and you will be told how powerful and influential Papa is, politically, in the scheme of things in Lagos. He is well respected. He has earned his spot. He has paid his dues. He has been involved in Politics since age 13. And he is one of the Elders of the ruling party, APC. He is one man Pres. Tinubu does not joke with. After he received his Certificate of Victory from INEC in Abuja, in 2023 he brought the Certificate back to Lagos to show Pa Olusi who blessed him just before the elections. This time around he wanted Baba to again bless his new role as the President of Nigeria. That is how important Papa Olusi is to him. On account of his remarkable role in Lagos politics, City People, visited Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi at his Lagos home a few years back to drink from his well of wisdom. We were expecting to see one big man who many people will be grovelling around and worshipping him like a god, but we were shocked to meet a humble, easy going man who had no airs around him. He is tall and slim. He is a man who is still very active and highly cerebral even at 88. Despite his age, he does not use a walking stick, neither does he wear glasses. He is quick to stand up to pick things for himself and we found him to be a resipository of information on Lagos history and politics, having been part of the recent history of Lagos. His power of recall is superb. And he still cracks jokes. He has a robust sense of honour. He is a team player and listens to others. For instance, after we were ushered into his presence, we met him casually dressed and we pleaded with him to change into an outfit he can take photos and videos with. He immediately obliged us. He stood up and went in to change, not minding that we were far younger than him. Let’s tell you more. Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi (MON, OON) is a Prince of Lagos, who is passionately committed to the development of the Lagos royal house and the preservation of Lagos’ cultural heritage. His father Alayeluwa Oba Sanusi Matiku Olusi, was once an Oba of Lagos. Prince Olusi was shortlisted for the throne of Lagos in 1964 and 2003. He was, at a time, the Secretary to the Lagos Royal House and the Lagos Aborigene Society. Presently, he is the head of the Akisemoyin ruling house. Prince Olusi was a Councilor under the Action Group (AG), the party led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in the Lagos Town Council between 1962 and 1965 and was reelected-in 1965 before the military truncated the democratic regime in 1966. He represented Lagos in the Federal House of Representatives from October 1979 – 1983. He was re-elected in 1983 before the military overthrew the sitting government again. At a time, he served in the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture. He was Lagos State Honorable Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Tourism between 1994 and 1996. Prince Olusi was the Lagos … Read more

Oyo Govt Distributes N20m Grants To Victims Of Market Fire Outbreaks

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  IBADAN – The Oyo State Government has declared that it will continue to support residents of the state to rise above poverty and move into prosperity by catering to their welfare and empowering them to be self-sufficient. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, gave this indication at the weekend, when her Ministry kick-started the distribution of N20 million livelihood support grants for victims of market fire outbreaks. According to the commissioner, the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration has continued to match its words with action by giving priority attention to bettering the lives of residents and supporting them to be economically buoyant through different means. Balogun noted that the beneficiaries of the grants, drawn from Gbaremu, Sango, Oke-Itunu and Oranyan markets, where fire outbreaks wreaked havocs on businesses, have benefited from the N20 million grant approved by the governor. She added that the event was just the first phase and that victims of fire outbreaks in other markets would also be reached by the intervention, adding that apart from supporting the victims, the government has also put together training sessions for market women on how to prevent and mitigate fire outbreaks in markets. She said: “Basically, this event is just another dimension of the usual way the Oyo State Government shows concern for the welfare of the residents of the state. “You are all aware that a couple of months back, there was a spate of fire incidents across the length and breadth of the state. We observed through our findings that it was not only the direct victims that were affected economically; that each of the victims has a minimum of 10 to 20 dependents that they are responsible for. “So, this tells us that those incidents had far-reaching economic implications. So, the government of Governor Makinde, being a welfarist government, decided to see how it can support all these victims to bring them back to economic viability. “We want them to resume to their level of self-sufficiency and to enable them to take care of other people depending on them for succour. As a result of this, our governor put aside other things and gave this an expedited approval and gave us a reasonable amount to be given to all the victims of the fire outbreaks. “This is just the first phase of the intervention. “We are not just trying to get them back on their feet but also ensuring that these incidents are prevented. One of the ways we are doing this is that we are putting together training sessions for women in the state on how to mitigate and prevent fire outbreaks in our markets. “This government is keen on empowering citizens to enable them to be self-sufficient and that is what this programme is all about. “In this first tranche, we have been able to disburse N20m to the beneficiaries and it is going to be an ongoing thing. We will ensure that all other people in all other markets that were affected will also be reached out to.” Also speaking, a former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, described the Governor Makinde-led administration as a government of the masses. “We are giving these grants to victims of market fire outbreaks to support them to make a living. You can all see that this is a government of the masses. It is always ready to assist our people. “We have to give thanks to God, Governor Seyi Makinde and the commissioner for organising this programme.” Similarly, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Babatunde Tijani, noted that the governor sympathised with the victims and decided to support them because his administration is pro-people. Responding on behalf of the market associations, the Iyaloja of Ibadan North Local Government, Chief (Mrs) Borode Omotayo Bolaji, also commended the government for the timely intervention. She said: “It is a great thing to me, because I was not even expecting up to that amount at all. “Also, it was not only our market that was given money, other markets were also given. We really appreciate what the governor has done for the victims. “The N5m has dropped into the account of the person representing my own market and it will be disbursed any moment from now.” The event had in attendance market leaders and top government functionaries.

LASTMA Nabs One-Chance Syndicate Operating With Commercial Bus

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  LAGOS – In the ongoing crackdown on criminal operations targeting commuters, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) apprehended a notorious One-Chance syndicate that employed a painted commercial bus (KSF 56 XL) to rob unsuspecting passengers of their valuables. The arrest transpired near a Conoil filling station along Funsho Williams Avenue in Surulere, Lagos, following an incident involving a female passenger, Miss Bibian Emelifonwu, who fell victim to the syndicate’s treachery while en route to work this morning. Recounting her ordeal, Miss Emelifonwu disclosed that she boarded the bus and sat beside a male passenger holding a nylon bag in the front seat next to the driver. Under the pretext of opening the front door beside her, the man surreptitiously leaned on her and deftly removed her phone from her bag. Having successfully executed the theft, the criminals heartlessly ejected her from the moving vehicle onto the highway. Fortunately, a vigilant team of LASTMA officers overseeing traffic in the area witnessed the incident. They swiftly pursued the fleeing bus, ultimately apprehending the driver, identified as Mr. Toyib Ogunjobi, while his accomplices—the conductor and another passenger—managed to escape. During interrogation, Ogunjobi admitted to leading a three-man syndicate, which included the owner of the bus. He revealed that their modus operandi involved enticing passengers with low fares on the Costain-Ojota route, stealing their belongings, and forcibly ejecting them from the vehicle while in motion. Ogunjobi further confessed that the syndicate generated between ₦250,000 and ₦300,000 daily by selling stolen phones and valuables. He also disclosed that similar One-Chance operations are proliferating across Lagos State, illustrating the pervasive nature of this criminal enterprise. Seven stolen phones, comprising models such as Techno Pop, Samsung AZZ, Intel A623, Techno Spark, Techno Pounoir, and Samsung devices, were recovered from Ogunjobi during his arrest. He also admitted that the vehicle’s owner was actively involved in the operation. •GALAXY TV

Trump Signs Executive Order To Terminate Birthright Citizenship.

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  United States President, Donald Trump, has signed an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship — a right guaranteed by the US Constitution and affirmed by the Supreme Court more than 125 years ago. On Monday, Trump issued a blitz of executive actions to start reshaping federal immigration and border policy, many of which are expected to face significant legal challenges. “As commander in chief, I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from threats and invasions, and that is what I’m going to do,” Trump said in his inaugural address. CBS News reports that the US government has long interpreted the US Constitution to mean that those born on American soil are citizens at birth, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. The 14th Amendment to the Constitution says, “All persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” But Trump directed federal agencies to stop issuing passports, citizenship certificates, and other documents to children born in the US to mothers who are in the country illegally and fathers who are not citizens or legal permanent residents, or to mothers who are temporary visa holders (and fathers who are not citizens or legal permanent residents). Trump said his edict, which would not apply retroactively, should be enforced in 30 days. But just hours after it was issued, the American Civil Liberties Union and other advocacy groups filed a lawsuit challenging the action in federal court. He also cited extraordinary presidential powers to effectively suspend US asylum law, accusing migrants of staging an “invasion” at the southern border and endangering public health. He authorised officials to “repel, repatriate, or remove” migrants, suspending their “physical entry” into the US through his constitutional powers. The far-reaching order essentially allows the U.S. government to stop adhering to American asylum law until Mr. Trump issues a “finding that the invasion at the southern border has ceased.”

Trump Returns As 47th U.S. President, Rejects Transgender Rights, Illegal Immigration.

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  Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, during a historic ceremony held inside the Capitol Rotunda due to adverse weather conditions. In his inaugural address, Trump outlined a bold agenda for his administration, touching on issues of gender, race, border control, economic reforms, and energy policies. Trump asserted that his administration would recognise only two genders—male and female—effectively dismissing identities such as transgender, non-binary, and genderqueer. “This week, I will end the government policy of engineering race and gender into every aspect of public and private life. Henceforth, it will be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female,” Trump declared. Trump unveiled plans to overhaul the trade system, introducing an “External Revenue Service” to collect tariffs from foreign countries, promising to shift the economic burden away from U.S. taxpayers. “I will immediately begin the overhaul of our trade system to protect American workers and families. Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens,” Trump stated. The president vowed to make America a “manufacturing nation” again by leveraging the country’s vast oil and gas reserves. “America will be a manufacturing nation once again. We will use our liquid gold—oil and gas—to bring prices down, fill our reserves, and export energy worldwide. We will end the Green New Deal and revoke the electric vehicle mandate, saving our auto industry,” he said. On border control, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border and announced measures to combat illegal immigration. “All illegal entry will be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions of criminal aliens. The Remain in Mexico policy will be reinstated, and catch-and-release practices will end. Troops will secure our borders to repel this invasion,” he announced. Trump also pledged to designate cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to combat criminal networks. The president announced the formation of a Department of Government Efficiency and outlined measures to tackle inflation and high costs. He also promised an aggressive crackdown on crime, leveraging federal and state resources to eliminate gang activity. “As commander-in-chief, I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from threats and invasions,” Trump said. Trump referred to an assassination attempt during his campaign, framing his survival as a divine sign of his purpose to “make America great again.” He also criticized the nation’s healthcare and education systems, promising significant reforms to address inadequacies exposed by recent natural disasters. The event, attended by lawmakers, distinguished guests, and family members, marked the beginning of Trump’s second term. Vice President JD Vance was also sworn in, taking the oath of office in a ceremony presided over by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Earlier in the day, Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump met with outgoing President Joe Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden, continuing the tradition of a handover meeting between administrations. At a pre-inauguration rally, Trump addressed supporters, promising to pardon January 6 defendants and issuing executive orders on his first day in office. Despite freezing temperatures, the ceremony proceeded with Trump expressing confidence in his administration’s vision and America’s future.

(Pictures)EFCC Auctions Forfeited Vehicles Online Monday

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  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has announced the e-auction of some forfeited vehicles to the public. The commission noted that the exercise is slated to take place on Monday, January 27, 2025, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, as it’ll be conducted online. Also, the exercise is spread across 16 lots with auctioneers in Abuja, Edo, Kwara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Lagos and Kano states. Interested persons can go through the official web addresses provided for each lot. A check by PUNCH Online revealed that some vehicles are still open to bids while some others have closed, as the vehicles have varying bidding amounts. According to a tweet via its X handle on Monday, the commission said the e-auction will be done according to the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004, Public Procurement Act, 2007 and the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery & Management) Act. “The General Public is hereby notified that the @officialEFCC through its appointed Auctioneers will conduct e-Auction of the under-listed vehicles that are subject to final Forfeiture orders in accordance with the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004, Public Procurement Act, 2007 and the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery & Management) Act, 2022,” the tweet partly read. Punch  

Niger Petrol Tanker Explosion’s Death Toll Rises To 98

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  Death toll from Saturday’s petrol tanker explosion has risen to 98 with 69 injured and 20 shops burnt to the ground. The figure as of Sunday was 86 with 55 injured even as there was concern that many of the injured victims may not survive, given the grave nature of their injury. The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, made the latest figure available to PUNCH Online in a statement on Monday. He said, “More deaths have been recorded from the fire incident. The latest figure is now 98 deaths, 69 injured and 20 shops burnt down.” Meanwhile, PUNCH Online learnt that so far, out of the 43 injured victims that were admitted at the General Hospital Suleja, seven of them have died due to the gravity of their injuries while three of the injured patients out of the 23 admitted at the General Hospital, Sabon-Wuse have also died. Ten of the patients admitted at the General Hospital Suleja were referred for specialist care in Abuja while three of them were satisfactorily treated and discharged to recuperate at home. The state government has assured all that it would defray the cost of treatment of the injured victims while the Federal Government has also said it would cater for the cost of treatment for all the injured victims referred to the FCT for more intensive treatment. The fire incident occurred on Saturday morning when a speeding tanker loaded with fuel crashed and spilt all the fuel on the road. Indigent residents of the state rushed to scoop the fuel on the road when the tanker caught fire and burnt most of them. The dead have already been buried in a mass grave. Condolences have been pouring in from across the country over the tragedy while the Federal Government has set up a committee to probe the cause of the tragedy. Punch  

Installation As Aare Akinrogun Of Igbo-Elerinland, Hon. Olayinka Segelu Appreciates Olubadan, Baales, Others

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  An ICT guru and Germany-based entrepreneur, Hon. Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu has expressed his deep appreciation to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, the Ige Olakulehin I, for the approval of his installation and coronation as Aare Akinrogun of Igbo-Elerinland. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2027 governorship aspirant also extended his greetings to the Olubadan-in-Council for their consent. Hon. Segelu, in his appreciation message on Sunday, praised the Igbo Elerin Baale Council of Baales for deemed him fit for the exalted position of Aare Akinrogun of Igbo-Elerinland. “I am deeply grateful to Almighty God and thank our highly esteemed and revered father, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, the Ige Olakulehin I, and his Council for their consent and approval for my coronation and installation as Aare Akinrogun of Igbo-Elerinland. “To the family and friends, I sincerely appreciate your unconditional love and unwavering support. Yesterday’s chieftaincy coronation would not have been possible without each of you. Although I am currently out of the country, your presence at the installation made a significant impact. “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Igbo Elerin Council of Baales, especially Oniogunbode of Ogunbode (Baale Akin Babalola), Alapatere of Apatere (Baale Sunday Alamu), Onigbaro of Igbaro (Baale Olulere Adesumbo), Onidagbolu of Dagbolu (Baale Ogunsakin Moses Olujinmi), and all other Baales of Igbo-Elerinland. “I am sincerely thankful to the elders of the Taiwo Ariyibi Dynasty and my dear brothers, The Segelu kings. Special thanks to my elder brother Wale Segelu, my younger brothers, Yomi Segelu, and Baale Tosin Segelu (Baale Eleruko) for exemplifying true leadership and fulfilling your roles admirably. “To Brother Tunde, Brother Banjo, Brother Akin, Dare Eleruko, and the immediate past Ward 2 Councillor, Hon. Olaniyi Idowu Oluseyi, along with Brother Segun Onigbinde and the supporting staff—Mrs. Olatunde, LadyKiki, Mayowa Oloyede, and others—my heartfelt thanks for your contributions. “While I cannot mention everyone individually, please know that I am truly grateful to all. “E se modupe. Mo mo lore ooo.” Hon. Segelu promised to continue to promote the progress, peace and tranquility of Igbo Elerinland, Ibadan and Oyo State in general. Igbo Elerinland consists of over 300 villages, and it is under Lagelu Local Government area of Oyo State.

Fuel Tanker Explosion: Niger Death Toll Hits 86, 55 Injured

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  The death toll from the petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Niger State, on Saturday has risen to 86, while 55 people were injured and taken to hospital. As of Saturday, the death toll was reported as 70, with 50 injured. However, more corpses have since been recovered, and all have been given a mass burial in Dikko, Niger State. The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday. He stated that the agency, alongside Gurara Local Government Area and brave, kind-hearted volunteers, conducted the mass burial between 5 pm and midnight. “A total of 86 persons have been confirmed dead, with their corpses recovered and buried. “Eighty of them were buried in a mass grave at Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre premises, while five were taken by their relatives for burial in the town, and one died at Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre. “The mass burial was carried out by NSEMA in collaboration with Gurara LGA and courageous volunteers between the hours of 5pm and midnight. “The number of injured now stands at 55, with one death recorded at Dikko PHC,” Baba-Arah stated. A speeding fuel tanker crashed on Saturday morning at Dikko Junction, located between Niger and Kaduna states. While some residents attempted to scoop fuel spilling onto the tarred road from the tanker, it exploded in a massive blaze. The explosion killed both those collecting fuel and others attempting to rescue them. Meanwhile, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago visited the scene of the tragic explosion on Saturday and has issued a ban on vehicles coming from the Maje axis from passing over the Dikko Bridge. The governor gave the directive while inspecting the scene of the tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State. Bago, decrying the recklessness of some drivers, stated that it was unacceptable for vehicles coming from Maje to use the bridge, directing them instead to follow the underpass and take the appropriate U-turn. The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, confirmed the directive in a statement on Sunday. “Niger State Government has directed that no vehicle coming from the Maje axis should be allowed to pass over the Dikko Bridge. “Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago issued this directive during his visit to the scene of the tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Gurara LGA. “The governor, who criticised the recklessness of certain drivers, said vehicles from Maje must use the underpass and make the U-turn correctly. “He also urged the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps to establish a detachment in the area to enforce the directive and called on all relevant transport unions to cooperate with the Road Safety Corps,” Ibrahim stated. The governor expressed his gratitude to NSEMA, the Fire Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Union of Road Transport Workers, among others, for their roles in evacuating the victims. He also announced that doctors from Minna hospitals would be redeployed to assist in treating the injured victims currently receiving care at Suleja General Hospital. Punch  

Tinubu Commiserates With K1 De Ultimate Over Mother’s Death

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  President Bola Tinubu on Saturday reached out to Fuji maestro, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, to express his condolences following the death of his mother, Alhaja Halima Anifowoshe. K1 shared their telephone conversation on Instagram, writing, “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria called to commiserate with the King of Fuji Music.” The death of Alhaja Halima Anifowoshe was earlier announced on K1’s official media page on Saturday. A post featuring a photo of K1 with his late mother read, “With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of King Wasiu Ayinde’s beloved mother. May her soul rest in peace, Alhaja Alimotu Shadiya Omoakeredolu Aya Anifowoshe. Iya rere. Sun re oo.” Click the link below to watch the video: https://x.com/MobilePunch/status/1880601592035967287?t=xRpfkzXG8Cm2v4Yj-E8ZGQ&s=19

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