A pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, Igbos for a Progressive and United Nationhood, IPAN, has stated that the culprits who murdered a Christian student, Deborah Samuel for allegedly insulting Prophet Muhammad in Sokoto on Thursday should be made to face the wrath of the law. 
The group equally frowned on the persistent unlawful killings in Nigeria and urged the stakeholders concerned to take proactive measures to end the menace in the country. 

This was noted in a press release signed by the National President of IPAN, Comrade Lawrence Onuzulike and obtained by SaharaReporters on Sunday. 

Similarly, the group lamented the actions of hoodlums in the southeast, saying they are using the name of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to commit evil. 
Onuzulike observed that though IPOB leaders have cancelled the Monday sit-at-home in the Southeast, some self-acclaimed members of the group leverage the situation to commit crime and criminality.
"Our leaders should act fast on Deborah's murder. Yes, the President on his Facebook page has condemned the act, but we want those people to be brought to justice. 
"On the side of the IPOB, they have repeatedly denied being part of this, so who are the perpetrators? From the trending videos of the slain military couple, it was clear that the killers were Igbo people. Who sent them? Why are the tortured and mutilated bodies of innocent Igbo men and women littering all over the Southeast not disturbing our people?
"Where are the Igbo leaders, the governors, the police and even the ESN (Eastern Security Network) which was formed to protect the lives and properties of Ndigbo?

"Why are Igbo presidential aspirants going about their campaigns as if nothing is happening in their homes? Is there something all these people know that we at IPAN don't know?

"This is the time for Ndigbo to come together and solve issues trying to destroy Igboland. This is the time for the leaders to gather their agitating children and dialogue. This is the time to bring peace to our place. We're tired of the killings. Our people are living in fear while people in other regions are freely going about their businesses. For how long are we going to live like this?"

IPAN was formed by progressive Igbos to fight for the rights of Igbos in Nigeria and work to achieve peace in Igboland. 

 

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Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has said that Prophet Muhammad (SAW), was on several occasions during his lifetime insulted by non-Muslims, yet he refused to attack or even kill persons who assassinated his characters.
Gumi made this known while conducting a religious teaching class in his Kaduna Juma'at mosque.

The Kaduna-based scholar, in a video clip obtained and translated by PRNigeria, said the prophet's refusal to retaliate when insulted by non-Muslims was because he did not want to be regarded or tagged a killer.
Sheikh Gumi spoke while reacting to the lynching of a female Christian student at Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, over allegedly blasphemous statements against Prophet Muhammad.
He observed that the best way Muslims can show that they love Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is by adhering to his religious teaching, and obeying him, instead of killing people over trivial issues.
According to him, both Nigerian Muslims and Christians have agreed to live harmoniously together, hence no religious law is applied in the country, being a secular state.
"Hence, anyone who kills a non-Muslim who they have agreed to live peacefully with, will not smell the fragrance of Paradise for 40 years," he said.
Sheikh Gumi, while noting that no one is allowed to take the law into their hands in Islam, called on his fellow Islamic clerics to impart sound religious tenets to their adherents instead of instigating them to perpetrate 'reprehensible' acts.
"If we think by killing Deborah, people who are not of the same faith with us will stop insulting our prophet, then we are in delusion,” he concluded.
PRNigeria reports that Sheikh Gumi a medical doctor and a retired military officer is the current Mufti and mufassir at the Kaduna Sultan Bello Central mosque.  
He is the eldest son of late Shaykh Abubakar Gumi, the first Grand Khadi of the old Northern Region who was instrumental to the propagation of Islam in Northern Nigeria. 

 

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A young man, simply identified as David, has been lynched and burned to death, allegedly by a group of Hausa men over a misunderstanding that ensued because of N100 balance with a commercial motorcyclist, popularly called Okada rider.

It was learnt that things got heated up and resulted in a fight between David and one of the commercial motorcyclists. 

According to sources, the situation soon degenerated as more motorcyclists allegedly pounced on David and his friends, beating them till they became unconscious. 

David, who was said to be a sound engineer, was on his way home from a club when the incident occurred at Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, a few days ago. 

A video obtained by SaharaReporters shows the deceased was being beaten alongside yet-to-be-identified men, said to be David's friends. 

David's friends, Frank (saxophonist) and Philip (keyboardist) are said to be receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital. 

A tweet by Ufuoma (@thecoloredpen), said, "#JusticeforDavid killed in Lagos over #100 change #JusticeForDeborahSamuel killed in Sokoto #JusticeforPhillipandFrank fighting for their lives in the hospital. 

Nigeria Nigeria Nigeria https://t.co/qfoxlRQGGb." 

She added, "A group of musicians in Lagos had "regular" to play at Beer-bar along Admiralty road that evening. The sound engineer and keyboard player who mounted the same bike had an argument with the okada man (an aboki guy) which resulted in what became a cold-blooded night. 

"The other okada riders (that were of the same tribe) came out and tried to avenge their "brother". To cut the long story short, try were beaten to a pulp and the sound engineer lost his life right there. "As if that was not enough, the sound engineer was burnt right there on the road. To make matters worse, the saxophonist that was to play for the night heard about what was happening while the fight just ensued and he went to try to settle not having a full grasp of what was really going on. 

Going on at admiralty way lekki phase 1.

What’s going on in this country sef🤦🏽‍♂️💔 pic.twitter.com/bwQSBm3Zi9

— UPDATEBOYZ  (@Updateboyx) May 12, 2022

"On getting there, he was also beaten to a pulp. The saxophonist (Frank) and the keyboardist (Philip) had to be taken to the emergency unit of the hospital where they were later admitted. Philip plays for D'banj Frank plays for Phyno."

You guys should be very careful out here this sh*t just happen now on my way going to the studio. Along admiralty way lekki phase 1 pic.twitter.com/ANdeHtaItu

— Nyerhovwo🇳🇬 (@Nyerhovwo__) May 12, 2022

This incident was also confirmed by someone who described himself as a friend of the deceased. 

My friend was beaten and set ablaze at Lekki phase 1, 2 days ago. A father of 2 children beaten to coma and burnt. No to Jungle justice. A father of 2 small children died like that.#justicefordavesunday #notojunglejustice https://t.co/kpbcpl5qvB pic.twitter.com/gx4ZSmox0U

— Onome Ejiro (@Onomejiro) May 14, 2022

The friend also wrote, "My friend was beaten and set ablaze at Lekki phase 1 two days ago. A father of 2 children was beaten into a coma and burnt. No to Jungle justice. A father of 2 little children died like that.

#JusticeforDavid killed in Lagos over #100 change #JusticeForDeborahSamuel killed in Sokoto #JusticeforPhillipandFrank fighting for their life in the hospital

Nigeria Nigeria Nigeria 😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/iTnwikI2rc pic.twitter.com/qfoxlRQGGb

— Ufuoma (@thecoloredpen) May 14, 2022

"He was the sound engineer in my church. See how his life ended because of N100 change. Sometimes I wonder if the country Nigeria even started.

Graphic Content! Viewers discretion is strongly advised!
After much deliberation, I am forced to post the video of Dave. This is really hard for everyone of us but we're hoping this makes a change in any way it could. Say No to Jungle Justice! #JusticeForDave #RIPDave pic.twitter.com/8P80KsL5lv

— ZZETTA (@lordesszzetta) May 14, 2022

"What exactly is going on in this country? Just see how Dave was set on fire over N100 change argument/fight with a Hausa Okada man. Two of Dave's friends who were with him are currently in ICU. They were all lynched to a pulp. This happened in Lekki 1 oh, not Sokoto oh." 

He was the sound engineer in my church. See how his life ended because of N100 change. Sometimes I wonder the country Nigeria even started. https://t.co/Lq89cyv8Vm

— KESSDAVID (@kessdavidmusic) May 14, 2022

SaharaReporters learnt that the commercial motorcyclist, who had a disagreement with David before the matter degenerated further, has been arrested by the police. 

 

 

 

 

Insecurity News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) identified as Aliyu Muhammed Lawal, has died from a stray bullet during a crossfire between security operatives and bandits along Kaduna-Abuja Road. 
The bandits were said to have been engaged by the security agents while they were trying to cross the highway at Kasarami village at about 8pm on Friday.

According to Daily Trust, the deceased who was serving in Abuja was hit on the head while on a Kaduna-bound commercial vehicle.
A top police officer in the state who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak however said about seven bandits were killed during the crossfire.
“The victim was hit by a stray bullet because there was a serious crossfire between the security agencies and the bandits that tried to cross the main road at Kasarami village which is a route they use. But the security men, among them soldiers, at Rijana engaged them killing about seven of them and recovered motorcycles,” he said.
 
He said the young man was rushed to Saint Gerald Hospital that night but was confirmed dead by doctors.
The deceased has been buried in line with Islamic rites. 

 

Insecurity News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 

In the words of, Martin Luther King Jr. a social activist and Baptist minister who played a key role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Similarly, Imam-e-Haram of Makkah (Mecca), Saleh bin Muhammad bin Ibrahim Aal Talib, posited: "Humanity is greater than any religion." Imam-e-Haram, further encouraged the Muslims faithful to develop a personality transcending the barriers of caste and creed. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief, in worship, teaching practice and observance.

In the light of the foregoing, how is it possible to justify the dastardly and unfortunate events that culminated in the killing of a student who was allegedly accused of blasphemy in the core Northern part of Nigeria. The unfortunate incident happened in the college campus of Shehu Shagari college of education in the caliphate city of Sokoto. The cruelest incident cannot be justified or downplayed for reasons of being mindful of personal benefits or political correctness which is not sufficient to justify such inhumanity and criminality.

Given that the disregard and infringement of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular of the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or whatever belief, have brought, directly or indirectly, wars and great suffering to mankind, especially where they serve as a means of foreign interference in the internal affairs of other States and amount to kindling hatred between peoples and nations, all reasonable and well- meaning citizens of this country should ponder on additional ominous consequences of this act on the ongoing situation in the country. Will the government act to make the centre hold?

Interestingly, the kind of Islamic practiced in Saudi Arabia where everybody lives in peace, no barbaric act, and the government is able to coordinate all religion, is it the same practiced in Nigeria? Why are we like this? Why the intolerance? Some of my best friends today are Northern Nigerians who I also know to be Good Muslims.

Ironically, when I think of DEBORAH SAMUEL and other such victims, I really wonder if these my friends also approve of the MURDERS so often committed by irate mobs in defense of Prophet and Religion. Sadly, the killing of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto, was carried out openly and captured on camera.

Permit me to conclude this article with the following: The men who extrajudicially murdered Deborah broke the law. The law of Nigeria that supersedes sharia law.

The Holy Koran and the Holy Bible recognize false accusation. The Holy Koran has well established principles of due process which completely goes against jungle justice. Jungle justice negates every single thing the Holy Koran and the Prophet (SAW) clearly prescribed.

So, is it the job of the mob to establish wrong doing or determine the punishment of someone who has erred?
How do you establish false accusation in the face of mindless, barbaric and heartless killing. Lee us assume it is your relative that was accused on wrong doing, would you support mob action against them or you would demand that things be done as prescribed by the Holy Koran? All known extremists I have ever read about never became so by studying the Holy Koran. Not a single one. They became extremists through the indoctrination of one ignorant cleric or the other.

I ask myself, does the Holy Koran or Prophet Muhammed (SAW) prescribe mob justice for blasphemy? Will the Almighty God (Allah), the most merciful, the most beneficient be happy at mob lynching? Murder is an unacceptable act in all religions, human moral and societal standards, and should not be tolerated, no matter the justification. Enough should now be Enough!

#WeCantContinueLikeThis.

Richard Odusanya is a Social Reform Crusader and the convener of AFRICA COVENANT RESCUE INITIATIVE ACRI

Opinion AddThis :  Original Author :  Richard Odusanya Disable advertisements : 

Operatives of the Enugu Police Command have reportedly arrested one Michael Ali for allegedly spying on Highway to Grace Assembly Church premises and the residence of the overseeing pastor, Reverend Chikammadu Eze with a drone.
The suspect who hails from Aguibeje in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, was said to have gone to the church located at Alor Unor in Nsukka council area, hid in the bush nearby the church and filmed the entire compound, including the cleric's residential house before police operatives from Nsukka Division picked him up. 

A police source told SaharaReporters that the incident occurred on Saturday, adding that the suspect claimed that he was filming the cleric’s home for a documentary, when he was interrogated.
The suspect who also said that he was working on the Nsukka landscape, when asked why he chose to stay in the bush to control his drone, told the police that he was still learning how to fly it.
He acknowledged that he made a mistake to have focused his equipment on the cleric’s home and church building, the source disclosed.
Narrating the incident, Reverend Eze said he was shocked when he saw a drone flying around his compound and on top of his church building.
According to him, he immediately began to monitor the drone only to discover that the suspect, Ali, hid in a bush close to his house from where he controlled the drone.
Eze said that he quickly alerted the police and mobilised his household who encircled the entire area to ensure that the suspect did not escape until the police arrived and picked him up. 
He said, “Immediately I walked out of my bedroom, I was surprised to hear the sound of a drone hovering around my house and church building. I looked around and could not find the pilot.
“After some minutes, the operator started recalling the drone and I followed the direction only to see the operator (Ali) hiding in a nearby bush close to my church compound.
“That is how I caught the operator (Ali) and immediately called police from Nsukka Area Command,” he said.
The founder commended the police for their quick response as well as for arresting the suspect and taking him to their station
Eze vowed to sue Ali, alleging that the suspect had evil intentions against his family and the church.
“If Ali has no evil intention as he is claiming now that he was doing a video documentary, why didn’t he inform me before taking pictures of my church, family as well as my picture with his drone?" he queried. 
 

 

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Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed

Nigeria is really sitting on a time bomb, the debris may consume the country soon if drastic measures are not taken to curtail a similar occurrence with the wrong signal laid  down by religious fanatics.

For a long time the country has been in a despicable situation, our bones and flesh have been sacrificed in the name of religious intolerance.

Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed

Nigeria is a secular state under which anybody has the right and obligation to practice any religion that suits their purposes in accordance with the Constitution guiding the country.

It is no longer news that Deborah Samuel, a 200-level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, was gruesomely murdered by the educated terrorists who accused her of blasphemy.

The innocent lady’s life was subsequently cut short by the bloodthirsty extremists. Deborah spoke Hausa fluently, she dressed like a real Northerner, yet they killed her because of a voice note she dropped on WhatsApp group.

Meanwhile, living with these criminals who orchestrate evil against humanity would be a disaster to the whole country and beyond. Perhaps the unity of this country has now been murdered by the act of these religious fanatics.

A trending video shows how the killers  were boasting of killing the innocent lady, they were also proud of  setting her ablaze since the country is ruled by a President who himself is a religious fanatic.

For how long shall we be living with these set of heartless and animalistic people?

Imagine that some of these extremists become future teachers to our children. The thought of it terrifies me!

Now is a very troubling moment when those who are saddled with responsibilities fail. It is not a surprise seeing an acclaimed Imam of  National Mosque in Abuja supporting and justifying the killing of the innocent lady.

Professor Ibrahim Maqari in his tweet supported the barbaric and gruesome murder of Deborah. According to him:

“It should be known to everyone that we the Muslims have some redliness beyond which MUST NOT be crossed. The dignity of the Prophet (PBUH) is at the forefront of the redliness. If our grievances are not properly addressed then we should not be criticised for addressing them ourselves.”

If a professor and religious leader could  utter such a statement, it clearly shows that most of his followers have been indoctrinated with hatred and bitterness against other faiths.

The Holy Qur’an preaches tolerance and stated it clearly on how to live with people peacefully. Prophet Muhammad S.A.W was called sorcerer but he never got angry, Allah told him to be patient.

Qur’an 73 verse 10 says: “Be patient over what they say and avoid them with gracious avoidance.”

There’s nowhere in the Holy Qur’an that encourages a Muslim to stone anyone to death for blasphemy. The sensitivity of religion can never overrated and comprehended without knowing the teaches and the rules that governed the faith.

Qur’an 6 verse 68 says:

“And when you see those who enter into false discourses about our communications, withdraw from them until they enter into some other discourse, and if the Shaitan causes you to forget, then do not sit after recollection with the unjust people.”

Its high time for religious leaders in the North to take responsibility and call their wards to order against future attacks on innocent people.

The country is in deep trouble with the kind of heartless leaders at the helm of affairs.

Security operatives should not only arrest the perpetrators, they should prosecute them to serve as deterrent to others. 

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Government must be sensitive enough by ensuring that adequate compensate is given to the victim’s family.

Also, the National Assembly as matter of urgency should pass a piece of legislation that will put an end to jungle justice. There should be consequences for people taking the law into their hands.

I call on Nigerian youth to stand in solidarity with Deborah. She must get justice.

#JusticForDeborah

 

 

Opinion AddThis :  Original Author :  Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed Disable advertisements : 

Achike Chude

And so the student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, was killed publicly in a most gruesome manner by her fellow students. The students were zealous for their God who could not defend Himself from the 'insult' of Deborah Samuel. Allah is most omniscient, most powerful, and mighty, we have been told. He humbles the strong and exults the lowly. He knows the beginning and the end. But by the action of the killer mob they seemed to question Allah's invincibility and capacity to defend Himself. And if He could not defend Himself from the girl, therefore, the thugs and killers masquerading as students reasoned, they had to do it for Him. 
And they were proud of the murder that they had just committed. They filmed it and showed their faces - every step of the way. They knew that the reward was not only in heaven, but here on earth too. There were people, very powerful people who would call them into their homes and bless them for their deed and assure them of a place in paradise for beating, stoning, bludgeoning, and burning a human being, their fellow classmate to death - all because they perhaps think that the Almighty Allah cannot defend Himself. 
You will know how powerful the dangerous human elements involved in this most gruesome of murders are by the taciturnity and silence of influential people up north over this deed. They will say nothing and do nothing, for the simple reason that the wilful killing of Deborah in such a foul and henious manner is neither the first nor will it be the last in the north. But this is how they keep the simple and lowly, the hoi-poloi and commoners happy - get them drunk on false religious narratives while they rob them blind and steal their future. But mind you, the manipulation of religion for the benefit of the few is not a northern phenomenon only. 

Achike Chude
They have their version in the southern part of Nigeria, as self-declared 'men of God' constantly manipulate their ways into the pockets of the foolish and unwary, often using false talking points and fake miracles to mersmerize and confuse, sometimes setting brothers against brothers, sisters against sisters and parents against children. But there is a red line that they do not cross for the simple reason that scripture explicitly forbids revenge and vengeance on one's behalf and, especially, on God's behalf:
"Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord"
Fortunately, this unhappy and sad occurrence presents a golden opportunity for northern presidential aspirants in the upcoming 2023 elections to lay a marker by speaking out against the malice done to Deborah. But we all know that as the day is day and night is night, the opportunity will come and go and they will be found wanting. Only Abubakar Atiku, horrified by this great evil was able to summon the courage to condemn this monstrosity. Unfortunately, that courage failed him thereafter, and he quickly deleted his condemnatory tweet for fear of losing votes which was immediately promised him aplenty by those rejoicing in the Sokoto killing. 
Only the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III ( God bless his soul), as a Muslim, has been unequivocal in his condemnation of such a vile and perfidious act, regardless of the provocation.
But what of the great tag-team partnership of Laurel and Hardy, sorry, Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu? They have yet to speak on behalf of their principal, the president on this very grave matter. Or perhaps, their barbs and venom are only meant for people like Bishop Hassan Kukah and his ilk? There is nobody like good old Hassan Kukah to put those two on alert and at their abusive best whenever he exercises his constitutional right, patriotic inclination, and moral authority to speak on the state of the nation in a way and manner that are not to the liking of Laurel and Hardy.
But luckily, about thirty-six hours after Deborah's open murder, their principal, our president spoke out in condemnation of the killing, spoke about investigation, and rightfully warning on the need for restraint of speech by Nigerians at all times in order not to inflame passion. But there was no discernible sense of anger and outrage at the incident, no call for the arrest of the killers who deliberately exposed their identities. Instead, the president's tweet, while condemning the killing and asking for investigation was at the same time providing a reason (but not justification) for the murder of Deborah.
It is why most Nigerians, especially those on Twitter do not believe that the president will get to the bottom of this outrageous and unbelievable crime. Some of them point to the presence of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, who has been accused of religious extremism with past statements of support for Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and ISIS in his government. 
Some of them have reminded the president that his minister, Pantami, was the Imam of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University when the university Muslim community issued a Fatwa on 400 level student, Sunday Achi for distributing tracts in the school. He was picked up in the early hours of December 9th 2004 from his room, allegedly killed inside the mosque and his body thrown down from the top of the mosque. His father, Samuel Achi, needed the intervention of the governors of Kaduna and Bauchi states to recover Sunday's body from the grounds of the mosque. The president and his administration were told this, but they said Pantami was a changed man. They went ahead and made him a minister anyway. 
But beware - for the great and most powerful Imam of the Abuja Central Mosque, Professor Ibrahim Magari, has weighed in on the matter and sounded a note of warning to everyone about the great red line that must never be crossed against Muslims otherwise Armageddon will be visited on violators. So, let us shake in our boots and hide under the bed because the Chief Imam has spoken thus. He is happy with the murder of Deborah and has said so. Perhaps he would have been happier had Deborah's parents also tasted the fury of the mob for bringing such a blasphemous child into the world. 
It is believed that the great professor and Chief Imam of the Abuja Central Mosque will not suffer the same fate as the Chief Imam of the Apo Legislative Quarters Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Nuru Khalid who was recently removed from his post for criticizing the president for the insecurity and sufferings in the country. Criticizing the president would seem to be a far more egregious crime than the cold blooded and gruesome public lynching of a young girl.
What a mess the north has become. Killings and killers! Bandits and banditry! Terrorists and terrorism! And of course, religious fanaticism mixed with illiteracy and grinding poverty - a very combustible mix for conflagration and anarchy. They can hide, and have hidden all these deficits for so long. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, deposed Emir of Kano and former CBN governor warned them about these social and economic deficits. They have not listened. Now the consequences of these deficits have come back to bite them. The child that was neglected by the parents will grow up to be a big burden to those same parents. State or elite sanctioned murder of Deborah Samuel at the hands of youths for religious purposes is not the way and direction to point your youthful population. Engage them in productive activities, educate them and empower them sufficiently so that they can contribute meaningfully towards upgrading their communities and country.
Lastly, let no one be under any illusion about the dastardliness, unlawfulness, and unconstitutionality of the killing of Deborah Samuel. Nigeria is not governed by Islamic law, nor Christian canon law. It is not a theocracy but a constitutional democracy. 
We are not under quoranic law, or biblical precepts but acknowledge the influence of both religions, including animism and traditional African worship in our lives as citizens under constitutional governance. There cannot be two different sets of laws in Nigeria. The determination of who lives and dies in Nigeria as a result of crime or offence committed is neither in the hands of delinquent thuggish criminals at the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, nor those of Professor Ibrahim Magari, the Chief Imam of the Abuja Central Mosque. It is a matter for Nigerian courts. 
It is because of contradictions such as this that many Nigerians continue to question the continuing 'marriage' between the north and south of Nigeria. It is what plays perfectly into the hands of ethnic jigoists, agitationists and secessionists. 
There must be justice for Deborah Samuel. A word is enough for the wise!

 

Opinion AddThis :  Original Author :  Achike Chude Disable advertisements : 

President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN) have dragged the National Assembly before the Supreme Court over Section 84 (12) of the Electoral (Amendment) Act, 2022.
The law bars political appointees like Malami from seeking elective public office or voting as delegates in a party primary unless they resign their positions.

Buhari while signing the amended bill into law on February 25 had urged the parliament to expunge Clause 84(12) of the Act.
The clause reads, “No political appointee at any level shall be a voting delegate or be voted for at the convention or congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election.”
In March, both chambers of the National Assembly rejected the President’s request to amend the clause in the electoral act.
Subsequently, the Attorney-General boasted that the Nigerian government would consider all other options available before taking a position on the matter.
In the suit marked SC/CV/504/2022 and filed on April 29, 2022, with the National Assembly as the sole Defendant, Buhari and Malami are seeking an order of the court to strike out the section of the Act, which they said was inconsistent with the nation’s constitution.
The duo told the apex court that the Section 84 (12) of the Electoral (Amendment) Act, 2022 is inconsistent with the provisions of sections 42, 65, 66, 106, 107, 131, 137, 147, 151, 177, 182, 192 and 196 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (as amended), as well Article 2 of the African Charter on Human and People and Peoples Rights.
They added that the Nigerian constitution already provides qualification and disqualification for the offices of the President and Vice President, Governor and Deputy Governor, Senate and House of Representatives, House of Assembly, Ministers, Commissioners and Special Advisers.
The court document obtained by SaharaReporters reads, “A DECLARATION that the joint and or combined reading of the section 65, 66, 106, 107, 131, 137, 147, 151, 177, 182, 192 and 196 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (as amended), the provision of Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act, 2022 which also ignores Section 84(3) of the same Act, is an additional qualifying and/or disqualifying factors for the National Assembly, House of Assembly, Gubernatorial and Presidential elections as enshrined in the said constitution, hence unconstitutional, unlawful, null and void.
“A DECLARATION that having regard to the clear provision of section 1(3) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, read together with section 4 of the same Constitution, the legislative powers vested in the Defendants do not permit or empower it to make any other law prescribing additional qualifying/disqualifying grounds for election to the National Assembly, House of Assembly, Gubernatorial and Presidential election outside the express constitutional qualification and disqualification provisions as already provided in each or all of sections 65, 66, 106, 107, 131, 137, 147, 151, 177, 182, 192 and 196 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and without amendment to any of those sections is for reason of inconsistency, unconstitutional and therefore null and void. 
“A DECLARATION that section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, 2022 disqualifying political appointees from being voting delegates or be voted for at a convention or Congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election is discriminatory, inconsistent and in violent breach of the provision of each of the Sections, 42, 65, 66, 106, 107, 131, 137, 147, 151, 177, 182, 192 and 196 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (as amended), as well Article 2 of the African Charter on Human and People and Peoples Rights and same is null and void by reason of its inconsistency. 
“A DECLARATION that by the introduction of the provision of Section 84 (12) into the Electoral Act, 2022, but in disregard of Section 84(3) of the same Act, the Defendant has acted ultra vires the legislative powers vested in it under the provision of section 4 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and/or in violation or breach of the provisions of Sections 65, 66, 106, 107, 131, 137, 147, 151, 177, 182, 192 and 196, thereby rendering Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, 2022 unconditional, null and void. 
“AN ORDER nullifying the provision of Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act, 2022 by application of the blue pencil rule, for being unconstitutional, illegal, null and void and having been made in excess of the legislative powers of the 1st Defendant as enshrined in section 4 of the constitution (as amended).
“SUCH FURTHER OR OTHER ORDERS as this Honorable Court may deem fit and just to make in the circumstances of this suit.”







 

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari for failing to probe huge spending on the maintenance of Nigeria's four refineries between 2015 and 2020 "may have been stolen, mismanaged or diverted into private pockets". 
It added that even though the government reportedly spent N10.23 billion in June 2020 on three refineries that processed zero crude and in 2021, approved $1.5 billion (about N600 billion) to repair the Port Harcourt refinery, the refineries were not fixed. 

In the suit number FHC/L/CS/806/2022 filed last week at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP is seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Buhari to investigate the spending on Nigeria’s refineries, and alleged mismanagement of public funds budgeted for maintaining the refineries since 1999”. 
SERAP is also seeking “an order of mandamus to compel President Buhari to ensure the prosecution of anyone suspected to be responsible for the importation and distribution of dirty fuel into Nigeria, and to identify and ensure access to justice and effective remedies to affected victims.”
 “It is in the public interest to ensure justice and accountability for alleged corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector, which has resulted in the importation and distribution of dirty fuel and protracted fuel scarcity in the country," it added. 
SERAP is also seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Buhari to instruct appropriate anti-corruption agencies to jointly track and monitor the spending of public funds to rehabilitate, operate, and maintain Nigeria’s refineries.”
Joined in the suit as Respondent is Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Adelanke Aremo, read in part: “Nigeria has made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to ensure accountability in the management of public resources. These commitments ought to be fully upheld and respected.
“Directing and compelling President Buhari to probe allegations of corruption and mismanagement of the money meant to repair the country’s refineries would advance the rights of victims of corruption to restitution, compensation and guarantee of non-repetition."
It also said, “High-ranking public officials, including officers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited suspected of complicity in the allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector, and the importation and distribution of adulterated fuel have continued to enjoy impunity.
"According to reports, petroleum products with methanol quantities above Nigeria’s specification were recently imported into the country.
“The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) reportedly stated that the methanol-blended petrol was imported into the country by a few suppliers through four premium motor spirit cargoes under its Direct Sales Direct Purchase (DSDP) arrangement.
“According to reports, for every 200 litres of the adulterated product, 800 litres of petrol with good quality would be required for the blending to be done.
“According to reports, the government spends over N264 billion annually to operate and maintain the country’s refineries. Successive governments have reportedly spent trillions of Naira to rehabilitate, operate and maintain the refineries that have produced little or no fuel.
“The government reportedly spent $396 million for maintenance of the country’s refineries between 2015 and 2020 alone. Despite this huge spending, millions of Nigerians continue to lack access to full and unhindered supply of fuel.
“About N82.82 billion was reportedly spent in 2015; N78.95 billion in 2016; N604.127 billion in 2017; N426.66 billion in 2019; N218.18 billion in 2019, and N64.534 billion expenditure was recorded from January to June 2020.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

 

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The Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, has said the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is sad about the violence, killings and sit-at-protest enforced by unknown gunmen in the South East. 
Soludo disclosed this on his Facebook page on Saturday night, following his visit to Kanu in detention. 

He said, "I visited Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday, (Friday, 13th May, 2022) to felicitate with him and also as part of the wider consultations with critical stakeholders in search of lasting peace and security in the South East. 
"He was in very high spirits and we had quality and frank discussion in a very convivial atmosphere. He expressed sadness over what he described as “sacrilegious killings” of innocent persons, kidnappings and all forms of criminalities, including the brutal enforcement of the senseless “sit at home” perpetuated by sundry groups claiming to be acting for or on behalf of IPOB. He assured that if the opportunity arises, he will be glad to personally broadcast to his followers to maintain the peace. 
"Together, we shall restore peace, security and prosperity in Anambra and the Southeast.
"It is well indeed!"
Kanu has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 following his rendition to Nigeria from Kenya. 
He had fled Nigeria in 2017 during trial after the military invaded his home in Abia. 
The IPOB leader is facing charges of treason, treasonable felony, terrorism, and illegal possession of firearms, among others.



 

 

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Reacting to the killing and burning of Deborah, Professor Ishaq Akintola said: “… In this regard, we also strongly denounce the killing of several Northern Muslims in the South East in the past few months. We frown on the recent burning last week of a truck fully loaded with cows in the South East as well as the killing of many Muslims of South-East origin by their Igbo brothers in the same South East. We note with keen interest that Muslims in the North did not retaliate when these killings were taking place.”

Professor Ishaq Akintola is the director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC). He represents a religious god that went to hell and back. If you had been following his bigoted religious divisive and explosive statements, you’ll agree with my characterization. Consider the following: On 2023 presidential candidates, he said Yoruba Muslims will not vote for Christian candidates from the southwest in 2023.  “As public discourse on Nigerians zeroes in on 2023 presidential election, we see the need for us to reiterate our position on the need for a Yoruba Muslim presidential candidate from southwest.” 

He claimed that “It has been persecution and stigmatization galore for Yoruba Muslims since independence. They are denied almost all civil liberties.

Admission seekers who are Muslims are denied attractive courses in tertiary institutions. It is easier for an elephant to pass through a needle’s eye than for a Yoruba Muslim graduate to secure employment. Yoruba Muslims are marginalized in political appointments.” Akintola claimed that the developer of the collapsed 21-storey building in Lagos rejected an engineer because he’s a Muslim. 

On the crisis between Traditional Religious Worshippers Association (TRAWSO) and Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, for disrespecting traditional religion, Akintola said: “We note with deep concern that traditionalists in Yorubaland prefer to monopolise Muslim traditional rulers in such a way that the latter pay no attention to Islam and Muslims but concentrate on traditional rites alone.”

Akintola failed to provide evidence of allegations of discrimination and marginalization of Yoruba Muslims. Rather, he turns the truth upside down in a most brazen and despicable manner. His allegations lack merit, reasoning, and logic. As a devil’s masquerade, Akintola hides under the cover of MURIC to incite Yoruba Muslims against Yoruba Christians, thereby fomenting religious tension that could trigger religious terrorism.

As a jihadist, Akintola spews hatred and paints non-Muslim Yorubas as Muslim haters. As an advocate of Sharia law, Akintola dresses bigotry as a theology.

A dangerous time bomb that could go off at any time. As a religious bigot, Akintola is obstinately and intolerantly devoted to fanatical Islamic opinions, biases, and prejudices. Yorubas must reject his intolerance, his fascist tactics, his Maoist brainwashing, his continuous violations of ordinary common sense, and his evident desire to pitch Yoruba Muslims against Yoruba Christians. We reject Akintola’s morbid devotion to jihadism and his MURIC’s army of bigots.

bjoluwasanmi@gmail.com

 

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Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who is a Peoples Democratic Party presidential aspirant, on Saturday engaged in his usual rhetoric of lamenting that insecurity has worsened in the country.
Atiku made the remarks in Calabar, Cross River State, only a day after he denied and deleted a tweet where he had earlier condemned the gruesome murder of a 200-level female student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto State, Deborah Samuel.

He spoke while addressing PDP stakeholders in Calabar as they prepared for May 28 primaries of the party.
He said, “History will judge the electorate if we fail to elect the right people to positions of power. The government of President (Muhammadu) Buhari has completely disappointed Nigerians in the area of security. The northern part of the country is the worst hit. The situation should no longer continue.”
It would be recalled that Atiku on Friday earlier condemned the gruesome killing of Deborah who was accused of blasphemy.
But not too long after he tweeted, the post was deleted because of a backlash against the former Vice President by some Muslims on social media who threatened that he (Atiku) might lose millions of votes in Sokoto for the said tweet. 
Atiku thereafter denied the tweet on Deborah Samuel and it was deleted – an action which attracted mixed feelings from Nigerians, with some of them questioning if Atiku actually stood for justice and fairness or he was only desperate for power.

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Some religious extremists in Borno State have threatened to kill a young woman, identified as Naomi Goni, after claiming that she allegedly insulted Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on Facebook.
SaharaReporters learnt that championing the threat is one Abdulmajid Tanko Izge who claimed to be the President of a group, Borno Youth Support.

He vowed that the death penalty was the punishment that would be meted out to Naomi.
The threat by the Borno extremists comes while the country has yet to resolve the gruesome murder of a 200-level Shehu Shagari College of Education student in Sokoto State, Deborah Samuel, last Thursday by a Muslim mob which comprised of her classmates.

The incident has continued to attract nationwide condemnation and the police have arrested two suspects – although a protest by some Muslim youths over the arrest on Saturday turned violent in the state and forced Governor Aminu Tambuwal to impose a 24-hour curfew.
In the Borno episode, SaharaReporters learnt that the police had taken Naomi Goni into custody over the death threats by the Jihadists.
Writing partly in Hausa, Tanko Izge said, “A message to Government of Borno State. Akwai wata yarinya me suna Naomi Goni wanda tayi batanci ga manzo Allah wanda hakan a musulunci kisa ne hukunci Ko da soho ne koda musulmi ne ya kafurta. Dan haka muna kira ga gwamnatin Borno tayi gaggawan daukan mataki inhar ba haka ba kuma mu musulmai baza muyi bacci ba kuma zamu dauka da kanmu (There is a girl named Naomi Goni who insulted the Messenger of Allah (saw) and in Islam it is a death sentence even if it is a Muslim. We therefore call on the Borno State Government to take immediate action or else we Muslims will not sleep and we will take action).”
He made the post on his Facebook as seen by SaharaReporters.
He added, “Naomi you must face the consequences. We will continue raising our voice until action is taken. #Findnaomigoni.”
“A Gaskiya Tura yakai Bango A gari Irin Borno wata Ta Zage ma aiki Amma gwamnati Bawani feed Back. Zuciyana yana Tapasa I will surely come for protest.! (In fact, the government has not yet commented on the situation. My heart is pounding I will surely come for protest).”
A check on Facebook also showed some northerners calling for her death.
“The punishment for blasphemy is death! in most religions including Christianity. Respect people’s religion. It’s simple,” one Farouq Umar Farouq wrote.
Another Facebook user identified as Ja'afar M A Baggo said, “Allah tsinewa duk wanda yasa hannu a wajen bata kariya ko wace iri ce. Allah ya rugurgusa duk wanda ke da niya/burin kare wannan la'ananniyar bakar arniyar. Don Allah ku kashe ta mutanen Maiduguri. (God condemns anyone who engages in anything of this kind. May God destroy anyone who intends to protect this damn evil lady. Please the people of Maiduguri should kill her.)
Speaking to SaharaReporters, a security source said Naomi had been taken into custody by the police.
“She’s currently under detention and denied making the post; she said her account was hacked after she gave birth last year. I don’t think she will be released soon so she won’t be killed. I heard some people are also planning to attack her father’s house here in Maiduguri.”

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Top operatives of the Sokoto State Police Command have revealed that one of the prime suspects in the murder of Deborah Samuel, the Shehu Shagari College of Education female student, is strongly suspected to be a foreigner from the neighbouring Niger Republic.
Police officials said the suspect could not yet be found in the Sokoto metropolis despite his face being captured in a viral video, when he was boasting about his role in the lynching and burning of the 200-level student.

“We started looking for him immediately we saw his video on social media because he is fundamental to our investigation,” a top police source told Peoples Gazette.
“We are now learning that he is not even a Nigerian but only came in illegally from Niger Republic to cause chaos in our country.”
The official said Interpol might be enlisted to help arrest the suspect, even though many officers still hold that the suspect is a Nigerian and remained within the country’s borders.
“Some officers are saying he is a Nigerian and we need additional time to find him. We have no facial recognition database, but we are following all available intelligence on the matter.”
A spokesman for the police said he could not immediately provide additional updates about their handling of the crisis.
Meanwhile, the police commissioner, Kamaldeen Okunola, said he would not comment on the investigations.
The police have already announced that two suspects are being held over the murder, which continues to attract nationwide condemnation.
On Saturday, violence broke out across the metropolis after Muslim youths stormed the palace of the Sultan to demand the release of suspects from custody.
The main Catholic secretariat in Sokoto was also reportedly attacked during the rampage.

 

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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has directed all churches in the country and Christian stakeholders to hold a peaceful protest nationwide over the gruesome killing of Deborah Yakubu by a mob of Muslim youths in Sokoto State for alleged blasphemy.
CAN made the call via a circular that was released by the General Secretary, Joseph Daramola, on Saturday, and obtained by SaharaReporters.

The circular which was titled, “A REQUEST FOR NATIONWIDE PEACEFUL PROTESTS, CALLING FOR JUSTICE FOR DEBORAH YAKUBU” reads, “I have been directed by the CAN President, His Eminence. Rev. Dr. Samson Olasupo A. Ayokunle, to request all church leaders, through your various churches to organise a PEACEFUL PROTEST in honour of one of our daughters, DEBORAH YAKUBU who was gruesomely murdered on Thursday, 12 May, 2022 at the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto in Sokoto State by some Islamic extremists.
"The protest will take place on 22 May, 2022 in the afternoon by 3pm in every secretariat of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) nationwide and not on the streets in order to avoid further loss of lives. Those without CAN's Secretariat may use any church with big premises.
"We are to hold placards with some succinct message like "WE DEMAND JUSTICE FOR DEBORAH," "NO MORE KILLING IN GOD'S NAME", "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH" "POLICE, STOP UNPROVOKED KILLINGS IN NIGERIA, "CHRISTIANS ARE NOT SECOND CLASS CITIZENS," "KILLERS OF DEBORAH MUST BE PROSECUTED," "WE CONDEMN RELIGIOUS KILLINGS," "WE SAY NO TO ISLAMIC EXTREMISTS."
"We urge those who could afford it to make use of the traditional media and the social media and others can use only the social media to give it a wide coverage in other to sensitise the whole world. We also call on Nigerian Christians in the diaspora to join us using our embassies all over the world.
"The occasion can also be used to pray for Deborah's family and friends, peace for the country, victory for the Church and godly political leaders in the coming general election. Thanks, and God bless you all.”
 

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Terrorists who attacked and kidnapped passengers on an Abuja-Kaduna train have freed one of their victims, a pregnant woman in their custody.
The woman was reportedly freed from captivity although it is not yet clear if the family members paid any ransom.

Meanwhile, the woman who appeared in a black Muslim attire, putting on a face mask, stated that the terrorists released her because of her condition.
She appealed to the Nigerian government to negotiate with the kidnappers to secure the release of other victims in their den.
According to Vanguard, she said, “It’s becoming very important because of the uncertainty surrounding the plight of others who are still in the terrorists den. The terrorists are taking care of us; they feed us well and give us our medication."
It could be recalled that the terrorists attacked a train on the Abuja-Kaduna Railway on March 28, where at least eight passengers were killed in the incident.
Also, 168 others had been kidnapped or declared missing.
It was the second time the rail line between Abuja and Kaduna would be the target of bandits.

 

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The body of Deborah Samuel, a female student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, who was burnt to death on Thursday by her colleagues for alleged blasphemy, has been buried in Tunga Magajiya, Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.
SaharaReporters had reported how Deborah was on Thursday violently stoned to death and later set ablaze by the angry mob, who are mostly students of the college.

The body of Deborah was said to have been brought in a chartered bus on Saturday.
She was subsequently buried by her family members who accused the Sokoto State Government of not handling the incident properly.

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Human rights' activist and co-convener of the BringBackOurGirls movement, Aisha Yesufu, has informed Sokoto State youths who are attacking and destroying churches that their action is a disrespect to Prophet Mohammed (SAW).
SaharaReporters had earlier today reported that some youths in Sokoto launched a violent protest on Saturday demanding the release of two suspects arrested in relation to the killing of Deborah Samuel, a student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, over alleged blasphemy.

SaharaReporters had reported on Friday that two students were arrested in connection with the murder of Deborah.
In a tweet, Aisha said, “Attacks on churches? Where are the violent and bloodthirsty clerics? Is an attack on religious houses not forbidden by Islam?
“Did the Prophet not stop and warn against attacking churches and synagogues? Who is disrespecting the Prophet more?”
Governor Aminu Tambuwal on Saturday imposed a 24-hour curfew on the state metropolis for fear of bloody protests.

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described as reckless, irresponsible and unpardonable, a comment by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
Emefiele had, when asked to comment on his presidential aspiration and CBN governorship as major concerns for Nigerians and the international community, said, “Let them have heart attack.”

PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, Saturday said Emefiele’s comment was provocative and enough to trigger nationwide restiveness, shut down the economy and destabilise the polity.
Ologunagba asserted that despite Emefiele’s alleged withdrawal from the presidential race due to the pressure from the party, he could not still continue as CBN Governor having become partisan as a card-carrying member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The statement partly read, “It was despicable to watch Mr Emefiele on Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Presidency, brazenly and derisively spit at the concerns of millions of Nigerians, the international community and the corporate world when he said of Nigerians, let them have a heart attack. It’s good to have a heart attack. I am having a lot of fun.
“Mr Emefiele has crossed the red lines; he is provoking and daring Nigerians to do their worse, especially in the face of huge allegations and revelations of massive looting, manipulations and doctoring of the books in the CBN under his watch as recently exposed in a leaked phone conversation and for which he ought to be behind bars.
“His unthinking and insensitive comment further establishes that he is not a fit and proper person to hold public office and continue the coordination of our national commonwealth as the CBN Governor, having exposed his lack of the required professionalism, code of conduct and regard for public concerns on issues that affect our economy and the electoral process.”
According to the PDP, all of these underpin the thoughtlessness and endemic corruption in the Buhari-led APC government and further show the decadence in the CBN under Emefiele.
PDP insisted that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has failed to decisively rebuke and sack Emefiele, confirming that impunity is an official policy of the APC administration.
It also cautioned Emefiele that Nigerians are more than ever before, ready and resolute to confront the situation and rescue the nation from the stranglehold of the APC.
It added that “Now that he has been confirmed to be a card-carrying member of the APC, Mr Emefiele must forthwith steer clear of the CBN as he cannot continue as the Governor.”
 

 

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