A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against actions he described as the politicisation of the Nigerian Army, saying abuse of military ranks could endanger democracy and fuel coup tendencies.

Frank raised concerns over reports of an alleged special and accelerated promotion of the president’s Aide-De-Camp to the rank of Brigadier-General barely months after elevation to colonel, describing the development as troubling if proven true.

He said the Nigerian Army is a national institution governed by professional standards and traditions, not a personal guard unit of any president.

His words: “The Nigerian Army is not a personal guard unit of any President. It is a national institution governed by time-tested rules, traditions and professional standards.

“Senior military ranks, especially the rank of General, are earned through years of service, sacrifice, command experience, rigorous training and competitive assessments. They are not political rewards.”

Frank said promotions outside established procedures weaken command authority, erode morale and damage cohesion within the ranks.

He warned that Africa’s recent history shows that the politicisation of military institutions often breeds resentment and indiscipline, conditions that precede unconstitutional disruptions of democratic rule.

“Across West Africa today, we are witnessing the consequences of weakened civil-military relations. From Mali to Burkina Faso and Niger, military juntas emerged in environments where institutions were abused, traditions disregarded and professionalism undermined,” he said.

Frank said it was alien to Nigeria’s democratic practice, and unheard of even during military rule, to manipulate the rank of General for an Aide-De-Camp or personal convenience.

“No former military Head of State and no civilian President in Nigeria treated the rank of General with such recklessness,” he added.

He rejected any justification based on constitutional authority, saying being commander-in-chief demands restraint rather than arbitrariness.

“Being Commander-In-Chief is not a license to erode institutions. Democracy survives on accountability, due process and respect for established norms,” he said.

Frank cautioned that irregular promotions expose officers to professional risk, invite institutional backlash and drag the armed forces into political controversy.

He urged the minister of defence to advise the president on the implications of any decision that undermines military tradition, morale and Nigeria’s international standing.

He also called for immediate public clarification of the legal and professional basis for the reported promotion, suspension or reversal of any action that violates Nigerian Army guidelines, and a firm commitment by the presidency to end personalised promotions.

Frank urged civil society organisations, retired military officers and professional associations to speak out, warning that silence in the face of institutional abuse could have severe consequences for civil-military relations.

He said the Nigerian Armed Forces must remain professional, apolitical and governed by established rules rather than personal discretion.

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Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has called for the immediate recusal of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from his ongoing investigation, alleging bias, political persecution, and personal vendetta linked to his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Muhammad Doka, Malami accused the EFCC of engaging in “illegal detention, media harassment, and procedural abuse,” insisting that the probe is motivated by “deep-seated historical animosity” rather than legitimate law enforcement considerations.

“I have been clearly pre-judged and cannot receive a fair, objective, or lawful investigation under the current leadership of the EFCC,” Malami said.

He traced his claims to events during his tenure as AGF, noting that the current EFCC Chairman served as Secretary to the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which investigated allegations of corruption and abuse of office within the EFCC.

Malami said the Salami Report, now publicly available, contained adverse findings against him, and he alleged that the present investigation reflects “retaliatory persecution motivated by personal vengeance.”

On this basis, Malami formally demanded that the EFCC Chairman step aside and urged the Attorney-General of the Federation to intervene.

He stressed that “to restore credibility and public confidence, another appropriate law enforcement agency must handle this matter,” warning that failure to act could inflict “serious institutional damage.”

Malami further demanded either his immediate arraignment or release within 24 hours, citing Sections 35(3), (4), and (5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), asserting that “only a court of competent jurisdiction—not a politically compromised agency—can lawfully and credibly adjudicate this matter.”

He also accused the EFCC of attempting to rely on individuals convicted by foreign courts and currently serving prison sentences abroad as potential witnesses, describing such actions as “desperate, scandalous, and corrosive to the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.” He argued that such individuals should be subjects of extradition, not witnesses.

According to the statement, Malami’s legal team has initiated formal steps to protect his rights, including requesting Certified True Copies of the petitions that triggered the investigation and the EFCC’s report to prepare his defence.

“Let it be stated clearly: I seek no political settlement or inducement,” Malami said. “My singular objective is to clear my name openly and transparently before a court of competent jurisdiction.

“Nigeria must not become a republic where anti-corruption agencies are tools of political intimidation. The law must remain supreme—above politics, above power, and above persons.”

As of the time of filing, the EFCC had not responded to Malami’s latest claims.

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The Nigerian All-Share Index ended Monday’s trading session on 15 December 2025 almost flat, inching up by just 4.62 points to close at 149,437.9, after opening the day at 149,433.3.

This marginal movement left the index hovering just below the psychological 150,000-point mark.

Trading activity softened, with market volume easing to 553 million shares, down from 571 million shares recorded in the previous session.

Market capitalisation, however, remained unchanged at N95.2 trillion, spread across 28,907 deals, reflecting the day’s subdued price action.

On the gainers’ chart, SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE and GUINNESS NIGERIA led the advance, rising by 10.00% and 9.96% respectively.

In contrast, PRESTIGE ASSURANCE and FTN COCOA topped the losers’ list, shedding 10.00% and 8.16%.

Meanwhile, FCMB and ACCESSCORP dominated trading activity, emerging as the most actively traded stocks by volume for the day.

Market summary  

• Current ASI: 149,437.88
• Previous ASI: 149,433.3
• Day Change: 0.00%
• Year-to-Date Performance: +45.19%
• Volume Traded: 553 million shares
• Market Cap: N95.2 trillion.

Top 5 gainers   

• SOVRENINS: Up 10.00% to N3.74
• GUINNESS: Up 9.96% to N239.50
• MECURE: Up 9.88% to N41.70
• FIRSTHOLDCO: Up 9.86% to N34.55
• AIICO: Up 9.86% to N3.79

Top 5 losers  

• PRESTIGE: Down 10.00% to N1.53
• FTNCOCOA: Down 8.16% to N4.50
• GUINEAINS: Down 7.69% to N1.08
• ROYALEX: Down 7.25% to N1.79
• NB: Down 6.86% to N76.75

Trading volume 

• FCMB topped the activity chart with 92 million shares, setting the pace for the session.
• ACCESSCORP followed with 67.9 million shares, while CONHALLPLC ranked third at 50.7 million shares.
• FIDELITY BANK and JAIZ BANK completed the top five, trading 35.7 million and 29.7 million shares respectively

Trading value 

• By transaction value, VITAFOAM led the market with trades worth N1.7 billion.
• ACCESSCORP followed at N1.3 billion, while GTCO recorded N1.09 billion.
• FIRSTHOLDCO posted N968.9 million, with FCMB rounding out the top five at N963.9 million.

FUGAZ performance 

Within the FUGAZ group, FIRSTHOLDCO posted the strongest gain, rising 9.86%.

UBA advanced 0.76%, Zenith Bank edged up 0.08%, while GTCO closed flat.

ACCESSCORP was the only laggard, ending the session down 0.5%.

Market outlook 

The All-Share Index continues to edge closer to the 150,000-point mark as bullish momentum gradually returns to large-cap stocks.

If buying interest spreads more broadly across mid- and large-cap names, the market could break above this level and target highs beyond 155,000 points.

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Benin-Akure highway kidnapping has left communities in fear after gunmen abducted about 18 passengers along the busy road in Edo State.

The Benin-Akure highway kidnapping occurred near Obarenren village in Ovia North East Local Government Area, according to security sources.

Gunmen attack bus, abduct passengers

Witnesses said the attackers blocked the Benin-Akure highway kidnapping route and fired sporadically to create panic among commuters.

The passengers were travelling in an 18-seater Big Joe commercial bus when the gunmen struck and forced victims into the surrounding bush.

Police confirm incident, launch manhunt

Spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the Benin-Akure highway kidnapping and said security agencies immediately began operations.

She said joint teams of the police and Nigerian Army were deployed to track the abductors and rescue the victims.

Ikoedem explained that sustained bush combing operations yielded positive results, leading to the rescue of 11 passengers.

According to her, “The incident happened last Saturday. The passengers were in an 18-seater Big Joe bus. We have been combing the bush in collaboration with the Nigerian Army.”

She added, “No arrest has been made yet.”

Search continues as residents raise concerns

Security operatives are continuing operations in the area, as the Benin-Akure highway kidnapping has renewed concerns over safety on the route.

Residents and regular road users have urged authorities to increase patrols to prevent further Benin-Akure highway kidnapping incidents.

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Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The United Nations has commended the nigeria’s Three Million Technical Talent project (3MTT), saying Nigeria has chosen reform over retreat.

The United Nations representative to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), Beatrice Eyong, stated this at the 3MTT National Impact Summit on Thursday in Abuja.

Eyong While commending Nigeria’s 3MTT project said, ‘Nigeria has chosen reform over retreat, courage over comfort, and the future over the past. Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria has set in motion a national transition anchored on confidence, anchored on competitiveness, and opportunity for our people, especially their youth.

“It is a signal to the world that Nigeria’s youth are ready to be the future, not wait for it. It is a statement of Nigeria’s ambition in the global digital economy.

“Nigeria’s digital economy is now being built with clarity and speed, and we see that here today.

“When leadership meets courage, history changes. UNDP and the United Nations family, we are proud to be your partner on this journey.” she added

The European Union (EU), Ambassador to Nigeria, Guatier Mignot said,

“The European Union is very proud to contribute to it under our Global Gateway Strategy.

The Global Gateway is actually not about cooperation, it’s not about providing aid, it’s about leveraging investments from public and private sources, from Europe and Nigeria to create jobs and prosperity and empower the youth who are at the center of all we do in
Nigeria.

“What we bring to the table is not just the funding, it’s also the EU tech business offer. Industry standards and certification opportunities pave the way for stronger commercial and economic ties between the EU and Nigeria in this sector.

“The EU tech business, economic sector, innovation and experience can help shape secure, sustainable, human-centric digital solutions for Nigeria.

A great opportunity for Nigeria and for Africa, as well as for the whole partnership.

President Bola Tinubu commended the UN, EU and other partners for their support for the actualisation of the 3MTT project.

Speaking through the Secretary to the ago Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, he said, “I also recognise the private sector and development partners who have given this programme depth and credibility. IHS Towers, MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Google, Microsoft, Huawei, Moniepoint, the United Nations Development Programme and the European Union have each played a part in moving this initiative forward.”

In his words “While today’s progress is encouraging, we must remain focused on the larger goal. From inception, 3MTT was designed to scale and to drive sustained transformation of digital and technical skills across the country.

“Achieving this vision requires continued collaboration and shared commitment from government, industry and the development community and this government remains fully committed to its growth and expansion.”

According to the Minister of Communicatios Innovation and Digital Economy Dr Bosun Tijani, the first phase of the 3MTT project has produced 15,000 direct jobs with average earnings of over N250,000.

“Direct jobs in terms of those that we can actually recall that got in job opportunities. In the first batch of the training program is already over 15,000. In terms of income, we’re seeing a lot of these people.

‘Some of them, their first job already having over 250,000 in salary.

‘For the future of this programme, we are banking on the increased private sector collaboration so that there’s more job opportunities for those that are being trained.

“For a programme of this sort, significant funding is going to be required. And that funding, we must look for a strong endowment to make it happen.

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The Afemai people in Lokoja have endorsed Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their second-term election bid.

This is just as it pledged to deliver 50,000 votes to the APC in the upcoming general elections in 2027.

The Onogie, Afemai in Lokoja, HRH Alh Zakaria Dangana made the disclosure on Sunday during the second edition of their annual end-of-the-year celebration held in Lokoja.

Chief Dangana noted that his people had pledged their support and loyalty to Governor Ododo for his pragmatic policies towards non-indigenes, which the Afemai people have heavily benefited.

The Afemai people, also known as the Etsako people, with six local government councils in Edo State, have lived in Kogi State for over a century, contributing to the development and growth of Kogi State.

He informed that his people are peace-loving citizens and have a knack for establishing projects that have a direct bearing on the host communities.

While assuring the government of their massive support, he appeals to have his stool recognised, graded and gazetted just like his counterpart ethnic nationalities in Kogi state.

He added that in their many decades of stay in the state, the Afemai’s have not been found wanting in crime and criminality as they are tenaciously mindful of their businesses.

He solicited civil service employment and political appointment for the qualified indigenes who have demonstrated integrity, proven character and expertise that should be trusted with high political positions and empowerment projects for the unity of the State.

Meanwhile, Governor Ododo assured them of considering their requests and advised them to form a formidable group to chart their cause with relevant government platforms.

Represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources, Engineer Yahaya Farouk, admitted the critical role the Esako people have been playing in the development and growth of Lokoja and indeed Kogi State.

He added that from the Second Republic, the Afemai sons and daughters have been critical in the formation of National political Parties in the state, urging them to continue to play active politics to open floodgates for the sharing of the dividends of democracy.

Ododo said, “My charge to you is for you to make yourselves relevant by forming Associations that can reach the government through your programmes and activities. We know your strength, and it is only when your strength is communicated to the government through political activities that you will be considered for the perks in the state. You have started in this direction with your annual end-of-the-year celebration, and I can assure you, your request will be looked into.”

In the same vein, the Maigari of Lokoja, HRH Alhaji Gambo Maikarfi V, noted that he is overwhelmed by the development prodigy inherent in every Afemai son and daughter in Lokoja, saying the growth of Adankolo and Lokongoma cannot be complete without the contributions of the Esako people in the state.

In a remark, the state Chairman of PDP, Mohammed Sani Gambo, applauded Governor Ododo for his fight against banditry and kidnappers, which he had declared not to pay ransom and would confront them with all the might of the government.

He said, though, he belongs to the PDP, but security issues are everybody’s concern, hence, his call for the people to give maximum support to the governor to defeat the common enemies.

Gambo pledged to mobilise his members in support of the government in the area of security and programmes that have a direct impact on the people.

He commended the organisers for this year’s end-of-the-year ceremony and assured them of his support for the Association, as many of his dependable friends are from the area.

In his opening remarks, Abu Michael, Chairman, Afemai Progressive Union, said the gathering is for sober reflection, repositioning Afemai people for socio-economic development, particularly ahead of the 2027 General election.

He solicited support for Afemai sons and daughters, in the area of employment, appointment and empowerment, urged the state government to identify with the Afemai people resident, pointing out that having lived in Lokoja for a century, they have become indigenes, contributing to the socio-economic development of the State.

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The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reaffirmed its commitment to raising local content participation in the oil and gas industry to 70 per cent by 2027, describing the sector as a critical driver of Nigeria’s industrialisation, job creation and economic diversification.

Speaking at a capacity-building workshop for media stakeholders on Monday in Abuja, the Director of Corporate Services, NCDMB, Dr Abdulmalik Halilu, said Nigeria has already made significant progress, moving from about 42 per cent local content a few years ago to 61 per cent as of October 2025, based on projects monitored by the board.

He said, “Local content is not a sprint; it is a marathon. As of today, we are at about 61 per cent, and our target remains 70 per cent by 2027. We are closing the gaps deliberately, particularly in manufacturing, which is our biggest challenge.”

Halilu stressed that Nigeria’s local content journey predates the enactment of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act in 2010, noting that crude oil was discovered long before independence, with early legislation focusing mainly on revenue rather than value addition.

According to him, a diagnostic study conducted in the early 2000s revealed that Nigeria was exporting jobs, services and industrial opportunities by prioritising “first oil” over domestic capacity development.

“That philosophy was about revenue, revenue, revenue, with zero focus on country value addition. The decision was taken that oil and gas must be used as a tool for employment, industrialisation and reduction of capital flight.”

The NCDMB official explained that the 2010 Act institutionalised local content policy to ensure sustainability beyond political cycles, making it a permanent feature of Nigeria’s economic development model.

“Local content means that what can be produced in Nigeria must be produced in Nigeria, without compromising standards. It must be competitive and must meet the schedules and requirements of operators.”

He clarified that local content was neither indigenisation nor Nigerianisation, but “domestication anchored on global best practice and strategic partnerships.”

Outlining NCDMB’s mandate, Halilu said the board was uniquely empowered not only to enforce compliance with over 300 specific local content targets embedded in the Act, but also to actively build capacity across the industry.

“One of our core responsibilities is capacity building. But you cannot build capacity if you cannot enforce local content. That is why enforcement and development go hand in hand.”

He cited major project outcomes, including the NLNG Train 7 project, where over 1,400 vendors were engaged, pressure vessel fabrication was domiciled in-country, and Nigerian manufacturers supplied internationally certified safety boots, pumps and cables.

“These capacities are not just for oil and gas. Pressure vessels, cables and steel structures are also used in power and construction. What we build in oil and gas cascades into other sectors,” Halilu noted.

He also highlighted NCDMB’s legacy investment framework, which has enabled large-scale infrastructure such as the FPSO integration yard in Lagos, describing it as an investment that individual companies would ordinarily find too capital-intensive.

On funding, Halilu disclosed that the Nigerian Content Development Fund, financed by 1 per cent deductions from upstream contracts, had been deployed through intervention schemes offering single-digit interest loans of up to $10 million, with a non-performing loan ratio of less than five per cent.

“We partnered with the Bank of Industry to provide affordable financing for indigenous companies to execute contracts, acquire assets and build manufacturing capacity. Our NPL is below five per cent, which shows discipline and effectiveness.”

He added that NCDMB’s COVID-19 working capital intervention saved thousands of jobs by enabling service companies to retain staff during industry shutdowns.

Halilu further underscored the board’s data-driven approach, supported by its Joint Qualification System (JQS) and a robust monitoring and evaluation framework.

“What doesn’t get measured doesn’t get done. Every intervention is tied to a roadmap, a scorecard and clear performance indicators. That is why since 2010, no NCDMB project has been abandoned.”

Looking beyond Nigeria, Halilu said the board was championing local content across Africa, noting that Nigeria alone may not offer a sufficiently large market to attract certain high-end investments.

“Africa combined has about 125 billion barrels of crude oil and over 800 trillion cubic feet of gas. That is why we are working through the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation to promote local content across the continent.”

He further disclosed that the Africa Energy Bank initiative and the adoption of the Brazzaville Accord on local content were direct outcomes of Nigeria’s leadership in this space.

Halilu called on the media to play a strategic role in deepening public understanding of local content policy, saying, “The media is the bridge between government and the people. By informing, educating and advocating, you help promote compliance, transparency and national development. Local content is not CSR; it is a business imperative for Nigeria’s economic growth.”

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed allegations that it is being used to persecute opposition politicians, insisting that its operations are strictly guided by law and free from political influence.

In a statement posted on its official X page on Monday, the anti-graft agency described recent accusations by some political actors, such as claims of weaponisation of the EFCC, erosion of its independence, and politicisation of its operations as deliberate misrepresentation of its statutory responsibilities.

The Commission said its activities are anchored on the EFCC Establishment Act, which mandates it to investigate and prosecute all cases of economic and financial crimes, regardless of the political affiliation of those involved.

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It noted that the only individuals exempt from prosecution are political office holders enjoying constitutional immunity while in office.

According to the EFCC, its record over the last two years under the current leadership shows that prominent members of both the ruling party and opposition parties, including former governors and ministers, have been investigated and prosecuted where evidence of corruption exists.

The agency stressed that corruption has no gender, religion, tribe, or political party, adding that crimes such as embezzlement of public funds, contract fraud, money laundering, and other corrupt practices cannot be excused on political grounds.

It described claims of a systematic persecution of opposition politicians as untenable and lacking factual basis.

The EFCC argued that what truly threatens democracy is not the lawful investigation of corruption cases, but attempts to intimidate or blackmail the Commission into abandoning investigations for fear of accusations of selectivity.

It warned that efforts by some politicians to portray anti-corruption actions as political persecution amount to a veiled attempt to secure immunity from prosecution.

The Commission said it would not succumb to pressure or be railroaded into conducting inconclusive investigations in order to appear non-selective, adding that any move to amend its enabling Act to satisfy the demands of a disgruntled section of the political class would not be in the national interest.

The EFCC called on well-meaning, reform-minded, and patriotic Nigerians to support its anti-corruption mandate, describing the fight against graft as essential to restoring the nation’s dignity.

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Kano State Police Command has launched an investigation into a murder at Yusuf Garko Mosque in Maraba Quarters, Kano, where a man, Ladan Malam Zubairu, was killed after his throat was slit.

Recall that DAILYPOST had earlier reported that the incident occurred on Monday.

According to eyewitnesses, the suspect was immediately chased by an angry mob and lynched.

The mob also set fire to the suspect’s house, destroying property in the area.

The police in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa confirmed that normalcy has now been restored in the area, with security personnel deployed to maintain law and order.

“The command is pleased to report that normalcy has been restored in the area. Residents are urged to remain calm and cooperate with the investigation,” CSP Kiyawa said.

He also confirmed that the investigation team recovered the victim’s throat from the suspect’s pocket, and both bodies were taken to Mohammed Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, Kano, where they await autopsy.

“The police investigation team has recovered the victim’s throat from the suspect’s pocket, and both bodies have been taken to Mohammed Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital Kano, all certified dead and awaiting autopsy,” the statement added.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has ordered a thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

The police have appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could aid the investigation, assuring that all information will be treated confidentially.

“Residents are urged to help law enforcement agencies maintain peace while the investigation unfolds,” CSP Kiyawa added.

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No fewer than four persons reportedly lost their lives on Sunday in a ghastly motor accident along the Lokoja-Ajaokuta road in Kogi State.

The Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed the incident on Monday, saying that 11 other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The Kogi State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Tenimu Etuku, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Monday (today), explaining that the accident occurred at Jimgbe Community on the Ajaokuta–Lokoja road in Ajaokuta Local Government Area.

According to Etuku, the crash involved an 18-seater Toyota commercial bus.

He said personnel of the FRSC promptly rescued the injured victims and took them to the Kogi State Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

“The corpses of the four dead persons were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital,” the sector commander added.

Giving further details, Etuku said, “The 18-seater bus with Abuja registration number ABC 232 XA was heading to Abuja from Enugu before the sad incident.”

He explained that the driver, while trying to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming truck, rammed into a faulty truck that was stationary on the road.

Describing the accident as very unfortunate, Etuku urged motorists to exercise caution while driving, especially on highways.

“This is because there is a big difference between a free motoring environment and a safe motoring environment.”

“Therefore, drivers must always be on alert while driving on the highways,” the FRSC boss advised.

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