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Okowa: Your Candidature Was Never A Surprise To Us- Otirhue

 

Chairman, Delta State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Dcn. Joseph Otirhue has felicitated with the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa on his emergence as the Vice Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP).

Otirhue while congratulating his boss and the good people of the State on behalf of the members and management staff of the Commission, he said, governor Okowa’s track success records have fished him out, hence your candidature did not come to us as a surprise.

 

Undoubtedly, you will deliver on the mandate of the Party come 2023 general elections to rescue Nigeria.

VP: THOSE OPPOSED TO OKOWA ARE SELFISH – NED NWOKO.

Frontline Philanthropist and politician, Hon. Prince Ned Nwoko has taken a swipe at those antagonising Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his vice presidency bid, dismissing them as mischievous and selfish detractors.

Reacting to the opposition elements against Okowa, Hon.Nwoko in a press statement in Abuja said the hostility was grossly irresponsible and unreasonable.

Nwoko who is the Delta North Peoples Democratic Party senatorial candidate for the 2023 elections said Okowa’s traducers were insignificant political interests, in the affairs of the party and the nation.

He stated that some few persons who relied solely on political patronage for survival, had in frustration unsuccessfully formed themselves into voices of dissent, as the governor deployed his disciplined administrative footing to serve and develop Delta, In unprecedented commitment to duty.

The former member of House of Representatives for Aniocha /Oshimili federal constituency between 1999-2003, said no vile propaganda can lower Okowa’s antecedents heightened by good education, integrity, service and glory.

According to Nwoko:

“ Governor Ifeanyi Okowa leads among his peers, with the best qualifications to serve as Vice President of Nigeria. He is respected across the nation. He is a competent leader.Those criticizing him over the VP slot are selfish and criminally minded individuals.They don’t have the interest, well-being of Nigeria at heart. Okowa has all the rare credentials to help build a new Nigeria of our dream.

“ The few attacks against him are feeble and inconsequential with his huge contributions as governor and PDP leader, having deepened democracy and good governance. It is unfortunate that one of the persons quoted to have mouthed reckless words against Okowa had been a beneficiary who got political office. The governor deserves honour,not ingratitude and little mischief” Nwoko stated”

While expressing optimism that governor Okowa would remain relevant in Nigeria’s political developments, Prince Nwoko urged Deltans to continue to support him for the good of all.

Anioma People Rejoice As Illustrious Son, Dumebi Kachikwu Emerges ADC Presidential Flagbearer

By Patrick Ochei

There is palpable joy across Anioma Nation as a result of the emergence of one of her illustrious sons and business mogul, Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu who is the Presidential flagbearer for African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Mr. Dumebi, the son of Late Justice Kachikwu from Onicha-Ugbo Town in Aniocha North LGA of Delta State, a business mogul and CEO of Roots TV, a social activist and politician of note, defeated the likes of the former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu and a corporate czar, Mr. Chuka Monye with wide margin to emerge the candidate.

Right from Abeokuta where the primary was held to Abuja and Delta, it has been huge jubilations and celebrations as political analysts believed that the young intelligentsia has all it takes to govern Nigeria if given the opportunity.

Mr. Kachikwu had been in the forefront of crusades to end insecurity in Nigeria, revitalise the nation’s economy and develop infrastructures that can stand the test of time.

As a social crusader, he started the Roots TV and Roots Newspapers to educate and enlighten the mass of Nigerian youths to get productively engaged in ventures that drive advancement like ICT and Agriculture.

As a test case himself, he is a big time farmer in the North where he is engaging majority of youths on the need to stay in Agriculture and become who they want to be in life.

Based on this belief that the future of Nigeria lies with the youths to engage their spirit, energy and intellect, Kachikwu years back started an annual empowerment of youths who want to venture into Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Agriculture and others.

To have garnered the popularity to defeat the likes of Kingsley Moghalu and Chuka Monye in a Presidential primary contest speaks volume of his political pedigree and credentials which had spanned years even though behind the scene.

This immense political achievement greatly excites the people of Delta North Senatorial District (Anioma) where Dumebi Kachikwu hails from, as there has been jubilations and celebrations at various quarters of Anioma, Delta, Nigeria and even beyond.

In a telephone interview with the Traditional Ruler of Onicha-Ugbo Kingdom, HRM Obi Victor Chukwumalieze, he was full of joy to hear the good news, saying he initially thought it was a rumour.

He congratulated Dumebi, an illustrious subject, wishing him God’s abundant blessings and protection ahead of the general elections.

He called on Nigerians, especially the youths to support him in order for the nation to tap from his wealth of knowledge.

Obi Chukwumalieze affirmed that he would intimate the General Assembly (Izuani) of Onicha-Ugbo to back him up with prayers, adding that he has made the community proud and can never be left alone.

The ADC Delta North Chairman, Comrade Uche Okonji was also enthusiastic about the victory of Dumebi Kachikwu, and he maintained that the Senatorial District under him had duly congratulated the new ADC Presidential candidate.

He said the 2023 general election is all about the youths and the future of Nigeria, insisting that Dumebi Kachikwu possesses the best credentials to satisfy the yearnings of the youths and at the same time meet the obligation of redirecting the leadership focus of the country, which the current old regime could not achieve.

He affirmed that ADC as a party in Delta State is united and would work in synergy with others across the federation to deliver the young, vibrant, dynamic, cerebral and highly achieved Dumebi Kachikwu as President to change the narratives of Nigeria.

DTSG, NBA Guarantees Free Legal Services For Detained Suspects

 

… Domesticates Police Duty Solicitor Scheme To Curb Illegal Detention

Illegal detention of persons (suspects) by the police would no longer be condoned, following the domestication of the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS) in Delta State.

To this end, free legal services to vulnerable and indigent persons detained in police stations pending the completion of investigations was, yesterday, guaranteed by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Isaiah Bozimo.

According to Bozimo, the PDS scheme corroborated earlier efforts of the state government in the efficient and effective administration of criminal justice in the state, especially unlawful detentions.

‘’The PDSS is a scheme whereby a practicing lawyer is stationed at a police station to interface with the detainees. Their function is to ensure that at that earlier stateg there is access to justice (for the detainees) and by extension, make sure that there is appropriate application for bail where the constitutional provisions for custody has elapsed.

‘’This is important because you need an early contact between those who are incarcerated and the legal system to ensure that we do not have these anomalies where an individual will be in police custody for months without access to justice or a lawyer.

Meanwhile, the state Solicitor-General and functioning Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Omamuzo Erebe, attributed the prolonged detention of detainees to the hostile attitude of the police towards lawyers, which, he said, would be addressed by the PDSS to ensure the constitutional rights of detainees.

‘’Lawyers will be deployed to police stations in an eight-hourly shift arrangement. This means that there must be a lawyer stationed at the police station whose duty it is to ensure that whenever a suspect comes in, there are provided with legal representation.

‘’The project is starting as a pilot scheme for the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and then reviewed over the years. The main source of lawyers will be members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) because we have a lot of them who are not fully engaged.

Addressing our correspondent, the NBA Asaba Branch Chairman, Augustine Eseagwu, said that the symposium sought to introduce the PDS scheme, which sought to cede lawyers to various police posts to advice detainees of their rights.

‘’This is a gradual realignment of how things were done before as against how things are supposed to be done now…. With the PDSS, the NBA is giving its mite to the enforcement of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).

‘’This will take advantage of the numerous young lawyers and assign them to the different detention centers and police stations so that at every time when someone is arrested, there is a lawyer to advice the suspect free of charge. This is the first step in the administration of criminal justice.

Buttressing Eseagwu’s assertions, the Vice Chairman of NBA, Asaba Branch and the Chairman of the Human Rights Committee of the NBA Asaba Branch, Mrs. Juliet Ojefia, added that elements of the PDSS already featured at the magistrate level.

‘’After 24 hours, you are supposed to grant bail to a suspect. So, the duty of the magistrate is to ensure that suspects were not unduly held. The PDSS also helps to decongest correctional facilities, holding charge and awaiting-trial inmates.

‘’This scheme also helps the government to save a lot of money because if there are so many inmates in correctional facilities, so much money would be needed to feed them, care for them’’ Ojefia said, even as she stressed that the NBA would sufficiently educate the public on the existence of the PDSS.

The symposium, which was graced by stakeholders from the Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and other associated bodies, featured delivered by Adebayo Akinlade and Omamuzo Erebe.

Ogboru Endorses Okowa As Vice President

 

In ensuring that Nigeria gets rescued from bad leadership, the Coalition of South-South and South- East Youth Forum, has endorsed Delta State Governor, Sen.Ifeanyi Okowa as Vice President.

 

The Cordinator of the group, Hon. Comr. Eziwomano Ighoegwu-Ogboru gave the endorsement in Asaba, the state capital.

 

Ogboru said endorsement of the governor as running mate to the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was as a result of his records when it comes to ensuring peace and unity amongst Nigerians.

 

He said “Governor Okowa is a man with proven records that can deliver peace and unity to Nigerians, adding that his good work of transforming the state and ensuring peaceful co existence amongst Indigenes and non Indigenes of the state, can be attested to.

 

He added that the decision of endorsing Okowa was to ensure that Atiku has a running mate who would support him in  rescuing the country from the insecurity and social vices that has hit the Nigeria under the Buhari – led administration.

Ogboru advised the youths to move beyond the social media and come to real life situation where they have to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), adding that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has brought the exercise closer to their door step, hence they should endeavour to be physically on ground to  acquire our PVC.

He said that their PVC was their power towards electing the PDP at all levels during the 2023 election and rescuing the country from the bad leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC), in the coming year.

 

 

 

 

Oseji Foundation Presents Book, Donates Laboratory Equipment, Award Prizes To Students.

 

In commemoration with the 68th birthday of late Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,  Hon. Justice Samuel Chukwudumebi Oseji, the Oseji Foundation for Transparency and Community Development has donated Biology laboratory equipment and awarded prizes to best performing students in Idumuje- Mixed Secondary School, Idumuje- Unor, Delta State.

 

Presenting the award to the students during the occasion in Idumuje- Unor, the Coordinator of the Foundation, Dr. Minnie Oseji said the humanitarian service was geared towards supporting community-based projects in health, education, justice; award of prizes to individuals and organisations that promote community development

 

According to the Coordinator, The Oseji Foundation (TOF) for Transparency and Community Development which was born on December 12, 2012 in commemoration of the 20th wedding anniversary of Hon. Justice Samuel Oseji  and Dr. (Mrs.) Minnie Oseji was aimed at empowering communities to plan, implement and evaluate self-help project; collaborating with other organisations to advocate for transparency and community development and creating awareness on the benefits of promoting transparency at Community, Local, State, National and International levels.

 

While highlighting the achievements of the Foundation, she said it had provided Free Eye Health Care for residents of Idumuje-Unor in Aniocha North LGA in 2013; prizes for best graduating pupil in Civic Education and Primary Science in Marble Hill School Okpanam in 2013; donation to Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria Delta State Branch Cancer Screening Project in 2017; donation of fliers and cash to the Universal Blood Donors Development Centre in 2018; donation of adult ambubags to Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara in 2018; provision of Free Health Insurance for 10 people in 2019; Youth Empowerment in 2019; support for colposcopy for five women in 2021; donation to Hephzibah Foundation Widows Outreach in 2021; donation of stepper for Ultrasound Room in General Hospital Okwe-Asaba in 2022; donation to Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria Delta State Branch for the organisation of International Women’s Day activity in 2022 and organisation of Maternal Health Competition for Medical Doctors in 2022.

 

According to her, the foundation does not raise funds externally, but uses funds from the Samuel and Minnie Oseji family members to support projects and programmes as the need arises, adding that the Foundation collaborates with other organisations to carry out community-based activities.

 

She said “through our philanthropic activities, God had accelerated the healing myself and my family are experiencing after our Patriarch, Hon. Justice Samuel Oseji went to be with the Lord on Tuesday,  September 28, 2021. According to Hazel Gaynor, to live in the hearts of those we love is never to die”.

 

The Coordinator disclosed that as part of the activities for Hon. Oseji’s first memorial service, the Foundation would be organising a lecture in his  honour on  September 28, 2022, adding that the lecture will be held on the 2nd of June annually to celebrate the happy life and successful times of Justice Oseji.

 

The Coordinator commended Chairman, MyDoc Healthcare & Education Foundation & Representative of Sponsoring Partners, Dr. Chukwudi Awolo for the development of Idumuje Mixed Secondary School Idumuje-Unor;  Chairman, Education Committee of the Idumuje-Unor Brain Trust, Mr. Nwanonye; The Monarch of Idumuje Unor, HRM Obi Charles Anyasi III; Her Royal Majesty, Queen Esther for their contributions.

 

While thanking the Principal and other school officials for responding promptly to request for information about the equipment needs in the Biology Laboratory as well as the details of the deserving students, she expressed optimism that the equipment and other equipment that would come in the future would assist in preparing many of the students to study to become Medical Doctors, Pharmacists, Nurses, Scientists, Inventors etc. in future.

 

Other activities to mark the event were the presentation of prizes to best performing pupils in the three Primary Schools in Idumuje-Unor namely Ojeifo, Nkwor and Ikeke Primary Schools; organisation of a two-Day Revival Crusade in Idumuje-Unor from June 3 through June 4, 2022; organisation of  free health services for residents on Friday, June 3 and June 10, 2022.

 

Highlight of the event was the presentation of the book titled ‘A Dove on the Bench’, which consists of 13 of his selected judgements, compiled by his colleagues in his honour, which Dr Oseji said would be of  inspiration to those who which to study Law after reading the book.

DPG Political Prayer Rally To Hold June 15

 

By Christy Aboghe

In an effort to entrench and ensure a true and democratic process, while promoting corporate political partnership, the Directorate of Politics and Governance (DPG) Nigeria, Delta State Chapter is set to hold her political prayer rally.

 

This was made known during a press conference organised by the state Director, Apostle Dr. Cyril Okonye (JP), the media Head, Mr  Onome Tanno and Executive Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) on behalf of Christian blocs, in the state, Bishop Dr Kingsley Enakirerhi.

 

Okonye said that through the prayer rally Christians in politics would ensure more open heavens for their polity adding that it was time to rescue Nigeria.

 

According to him, the event  with the theme, ‘power belongs to God, would come up on Wednesday, 15th June 15, 2022, at the Cenotaph in Asaba, the state capital.

 

While welcoming Deltans to the event, the State Director said that the event would witness the presence of all Christian groups.

Youth Empowerment  Is Our Mandate- Ebuwa

 

By Enweliku Kent

 

Delta North senatorial candidate under the  Labour Party, Mr Ebuwa Ifeanyi Kelvin has promised qualitative laws for the district if voted  as a Senator in the 2023 general election.

 

Ebuwa stated this  at the Party’s secretariat in Asaba shortly after being returned unopposed as the party  candidate for coming elections.

 

The Oshimili North Local Government  Council born politician said he has been in active politics for the past 18 years and that he knows every nooks and crannies of Delta  North politics.

 

He admitted that he was not a push over or a greenhorn in politics saying he is very much qualified  and  prepared for the task ahead.

He pledged to initiate laws in the red chambers of  National Assembly to give a sense of belonging to the Youths, just as he reassure  that he would evolve bills that will attract employment to majority of Nigerians.

He  noted that Delta North where he hails, he will ensure that there is visible presence of facilities to cater for the  well-being of the People, promising not to disappoint  if given the mandate as a Senator.

DTHA Speaker Recounts Achievement Of Third Session

 

Speaker, Delta  State House of Assembly and Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has accounted the many achievements of the seventh Assembly, three years after session resumed.

 

Oborevwori made this known while briefing Pressmen ahead of the third anniversary of the seventh Assembly on Friday June, 10, 2022 in Asaba, Delta State.

 

He said the unity and robust relationship he shared with other lawmakers had led to their success story in the state House of Assembly.

 

He stated that in the course of the third Session of the Seventh Assembly, the lawmakers had contributed efficiently and effectively, legislative actions and programmes geared towards infrastructural development, empowerment schemes for youth and women, free maternal health, free basic and secondary education, peace and security for Deltans.

 

While highlighting their successes, challenges  and prospects in the last session, the Speaker said despite the challenges of the new normal brought about by the Covid-19,  in the Third Session, the state House of Assembly was able to make remarkable progress in carrying out its constitutional legislative duties of lawmaking, representation and oversight functions without let or hindrance.

 

The Speaker also said that in the period under review, the House has maintained and sustained cordial  relationship with the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria  ( PASAN) and a cordial working relationship with the Press, whom they recognized their importance in the development of democracy.

 

While commending the support of the state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, he said that his respect for the doctrine of separation of power among the three arms of government has resulted in economic growth, job creation, infrastructural development, peace and security in the State.

 

He also stated that the state was among the first  states that operated financial autonomy in the three arms of government.

 

While highlighting the activities of seventh Assembly, he said since it’s inauguration in June 2019, the state House of Assembly had continually performed it’s constitutional role of law making, representation and oversight of other arms of government.

 

He added that in the discharge of their duties as lawmakers they had demonstrated strong will in scrutinizing requests from the Executive arm of Government, ensuring passage of realistic Budgets, robust engagement with Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government, undertaking constituencies outreach, oversight of government’s projects and programmes, and passage of people oriented Bills into law for the development of the government’.

 

Speaking, Oborevwori said that during the period under review, the House received a total of twenty five Bills; fifteen Executive Bills and ten Private Members’ Bills. Out of this number, twenty one Bills were passed; sixteen Bills received by the House in the First Session but passed in the Third Session were assented to by the state governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

 

The Speaker stated that some of the Bills passed and assented were; Delta State University (Amendment) Law, 2021; Delta State Audit Law, 2021; Delta State House of Assembly Service (Establishment etc ) Law, 2021;Delta State Printing and Publishing Corporation ( Amendment) Law, 2021; Delta State House of Assembly Fund Management ( Financial Autonomy) Law, 2021; Delta State Judiciary Fund Management ( Financial Autonomy) Law, 2021; Delta State Livestock Breeding, Rearing and Marketing Regulation Law, 2021; Delta State Supplementary Appropriation Law, 2021; Delta State Audit ( Amendment) Law, 2021; Delta State House of Assembly Commission ( Amendment) Law, 2021; Appropriation Law, 2021; Asaba Specialist Hospital  Law, 2021; Delta State Debt Management Law, 2021; Delta State Erosion and Watershed Management Agency Law, 2021; Delta State Regulation of  Community Development Association Law, 2021; and Delta State Urban and Regional Planning Law, 2021.

 

He added that six of the Bills were awaiting assent while three were still undergoing consideration by the House and that 85 motions and resolutions had been approved by the House in the period under review.

 

While speaking, he said the event was an historic one, as it was the first time a Speaker of the House would address the Press on the activities of the seventh Assembly as Mr. Speaker and at the same time a gubernatorial candidate.

Massive Support For Nwaobi’s Candidacy

 

…As House Of Assembly Aspirants, Youths Route For New Aniocha North

The PDP aspirants that contested the Delta State House of Assembly primary election for Aniocha North Constituency, in collaboration with youths and leaders of the local government area, have decided to embark on an initiative that will create a new Aniocha North.

This resolution was earlier reached by the aspirants but made known to stakeholders in a meeting of 40 youths each from the 10 wards in Aniocha North Constituency, including community leaders and some critical stakeholders in PDP, held at the Issele-Uku Unity Hall on Saturday 4th June, 2022.

At the meeting, youths from each of the wards were given opportunities to air their opinions on leadership generally, suggest how they want governance and ask questions on issues they were not clear about.

Many questions were raised, and the Honourable Member representing Aniocha North Constituency, Hon. Engr. Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi who earlier set the stage rolling with his address, meticulously and painstakingly answered the questions as raised.

Nwaobi took time to explain the effort of all the aspirants in agreeing with him to hold a meeting prior to the primary election where they all resolved to allow for a free, fair, credible and transparent primary election, including signing a peace accord to allow for peace during and after the primary election.

He affirmed that the initiative worked just as all the aspirants immediately congratulated him after he emerged winner of the contest.

Arising from this very unprecedented act, Hon. Nwaobi said he conveyed another meeting of all the aspirants to thank them for their cooperation and in addition, they all resolved to move Aniocha North forward by working together with him to prosecute and win the general election.

His words, “Having agreed not to work apart again, this is where we now resolved to bring all the youths of Aniocha North under one forum to dissect the issues militating against the peace and unity of PDP in Aniocha North local government area, discuss way forward and come up with resolutions to forge ahead as a united entity and not a divided people. This is unprecedented in the history of Aniocha North, and going forward, we thank God for making that dream a reality today.

“Based on this resolution, youth leaders and community leaders were reached to select 40 youths each from their wards to hold this meeting. So we are here to communicate our resolution to the ward youth leaders and community leaders in order for all and sundry to be on the same page with this new pedestal of reasoning, understanding and leadership for the betterment of our people. I make bold to say that this is a movement that is historic and unprecedented in Aniocha North.

“Also, without any risk of sounding immodest, I say unequivocally that PDP is on the march to winning all her elections next year, from Presidency to Governors to National Assembly members and of course House of Assembly members. No doubt about this; the only thing we need to do for the PDP is to win between 70-80 percent of valid votes in Aniocha North. Landslide victory is what we yearn for, not just winning”, Nwaobi appealed.

To be sure that all the participants were in total agreement that PDP should win landslide in Aniocha North, Hon. Nwaobi had to put it to a voice vote and got a thunderous Yes.

However suspecting there could be some No in the voice vote, he asked for the consenting participants to raise their hands and all but two participants from Onicha-Ugbo dissented, hinging the reason for their action on the deplorable condition of Onicha-Ugbo/Idumuje-Ugboko Road, which according to them, their representative has refused to fix.

Again, Nwaobi took time to explain to them the workings of the Legislature and Executive Arms of Government, giving them reasons not to always vent their anger on the Legislators whose primary function is to make good laws for the good of all.

He also pointed out to them that the road in question belongs to the federal government and rather than holding the State Government liable, they should instead request that the members representing the area at the National Assembly present the dilapidated road as a motion of urgent national importance by drawing the attention of the federal government to it.

To lend credence to all that Hon. Nwaobi said about the resolve of all the House of Assembly aspirants to working with him as a united entity, one of the aspirants, fomer Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Chuks Oseme commended the youths for answering their call to join the train for a new Aniocha North, promising them that they would not regret their action.

He said that collectively going forward, all the aspirants and youths inclusive are going to be in power at every level; monitoring events, advising and giving their suggestions on representation and governance.

Equally, another aspirant, Engr. Justin Anene called on the youths to avoid being used by agents of destabilisation again in Aniocha North, affirming that all the aspirants had resolved to working together with Hon. Nwaobi in the interest and progress of Aniocha North Constituency.

Meanwhile, every other aspirant, leader or youth that spoke made appraisal references to the achievements of Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi even as a lawmaker, commending him and other contenders at the primary election for initiating this agenda to reconcile everybody in the interest of moving Aniocha North forward as one family and united force under the PDP.

The leaders present at the meeting includes the Executive Chairman, Aniocha North Local Government Council, Hon. Kelvin Okwechime, Dcn. Chuks Nwaebuni, an executive member of the South-South PDP, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwagwu, SSA to the Governor, Comrade Kingsley Azuh, SSA to the Governor, Mr. Lawrence Izegbu, SSA to the Governor, Hon. Pat Onochie, Bishop Odum Marvelous and others too numerous to mention.

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