Tuesday, 30 June 2015
Photos: Professor Jega officially hands over!
Okonjo-Iweala replies Oshiomole over allegations she spent $2.1bn oil fund without approval
"We looked at the numbers for the Excess Crude Account. The last time the former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, reported to the council, and it is in the minutes, she reported by November 2014 that we had $4.1 bn. Today, the Accountant-General Office reported we have $2.0bn.
Which means the honourable minister spent $2.1bn without authority of the NEC and that money was not distributed to states, it was not paid to the three tiers of government,” Adams Oshiomhole said
However in a
statement released and signed by her spokesperson Paul Nwabuikwu today
June 30th, Dr Okonjo-Iweala said there was no authorized spending from
the Excess Crude Account under her watch as Minister of Finance. She
described the allegations as a political witch hunting.
"It is curious that in their desperation to use the esteemed National Economic Council for political and personal vendetta, the persons behind these allegations acted as if the constitutionally recognized FAAC, a potent expression of Nigeria’s fiscal federalism, does not exist. But Nigerians know that collective revenues, allocations and expenditures of the three tiers of government are the concern of the monthly FAAC meetings. It is important to acknowledge the efforts of governors who are working hard to overcome the current revenue challenges facing their states without resorting to character assassination and blame games.
It is clear that this is the latest chapter of a political witch-hunt by elements who are attempting to use the respected National Economic Council for ignoble purposes having failed abysmally in their previous attempts to tar the Okonjo-Iweala name. It will be recalled that one of such attempts took place in May when some of these governors, hiding under the auspices of the Nigerian Governors Forum asked Okonjo-Iweala to explain $20 billion alleged to be missing from the same ECA. The Finance Ministry subsequently issued a news release and published an advertorial in national newspapers on May 25, 2015 giving details of what the Federal Government and states received from the ECA in the last four years. It also provided details of the use of the funds for payment of petrol subsidies for the Nigerian public and SURE-P allocations to the three tiers for development purposes.
After the publication, the accusers lost their voice. But the latest allegations show that these persons are still in the business of throwing up wild, unsubstantiated figures to damage Okonjo-Iweala’s name. For instance, within the last few months, Governor Oshiomhole and his fellow travelers have asked Okonjo-Iweala to account for “missing” $30 billion, $20 billion and now $2.1 billion. What they don’t seem to understand is that the strategy has lost all credibility because the falsehood is clear for all to see. How can some governors who fought FG’s efforts to leave robust savings in the ECA and even took the Federal Government to court over the matter turn around to make such unfounded allegations? The world knows that it was Okonjo-Iweala who pioneered, during her first stint as Minister of Finance in the Obasanjo administration, the practice of publishing monthly updates of all allocations to different tiers of government in order to empower Nigerians with information and knowledge of government revenues and expenditure.
This enabled the Nigerian public to ask questions about the utilization of these resources. Of course many elected and appointed public officials were not happy with this development. She continued this practice when she returned in 2011 and even added periodic updates on the Excess Crude Account, subsidy payments for verified claims by oil marketers for fuel imports as well as SURE-P payments to the three tiers of government. Against this background, the idea that she spent $2.1 billion “without authorization” is simply not credible given that details of government receipts and expenditure are public knowledge. We believe that Nigerians are too smart to be hoodwinked by this partisan desperation to tar the name of Okonjo-Iweala. In the interest of the country, we advise that public officials should avoid the temptation to politicize economic issues so that balanced analysis can lead to real solutions.”the statement read
Monday, 15 June 2015
Ex-boxing champ arrested...allegedly tried to join ISIS
The 33-year-old boxer was arrested in England along with two other men after authorities say they were trying to forge documents to illegally enter Syria. Small and the two men have all been charged with engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts -- though Small denied the allegation.
Small most famously fought in "The Contender Challenge: U.K. vs. USA" in 2007 -- when fighters from the U.S. reality show "The Contender" flew to England to fight up-and-coming boxers, including Small.
Small defeated Walter Wright, who competed in Season 2 of the boxing reality show.
Small converted to Islam at the age of 24 -- and in 2012, he made a YouTube video in which he said he quit boxing because the sport took place in venues that Muslims are forbidden to enter because of gambling, alcohol and half-naked ring girls.
Photos: 3 generations of Michelle Obama's family arrive Britain to promote education for girls
Afterwards they will meet Prince Harry and visit David Cameron on Downing Street.
Sunday, 14 June 2015
Photo: Popular CNN news anchor, Hala Gorani weds colleague
French raised Syrian-American, CNN International London-based Anchor and
Correspondent, Hala Gorani, 45, today June 14th married her colleague,
CNN photojournalist, Christian Streib. Congrats to her.
Chris Brown reportedly spending money on baby mama so he could have more time with his daughter
Chris has been super nice to Nia - he even sent her a thoughtful and very heartfelt card for her birthday on June 6. Inside, he wrote that she’s a beautiful and wonderful mother to Royalty. He told her he couldn’t be happier that she’s Royalty’s mother. Chris even did the unthinkable — he included a check for $5,000.00 in the card. He wanted to prove to Nia that he’s not stingy when it comes to money and that he will take care of his family by all means necessary,” a source tells HollywoodLife.com
At this time, Chris gets Royalty “ever other week,” but in the future, he’s hoping to get more time with her. And he even wants to “do a little more play dates with the young Hollywood kids,” Chris recently told Ryan Seacrest. Perhaps that $5,000 will help persuade Nia to give Chris more time with Royalty.
Check out these cute pics of Prince William as a son and as a dad
Wednesday, 10 June 2015
Cristiano Ronaldo's mum has €45K Seized at Madrid Airport
Ronaldo's 60 year old mum Dolares Aveiro was caught at the airport with €45K in excess of the legally required amount for travellers.The Spanish police forced her to hand over the €45,000 at the Madrid airport,after she tried to leave the country without declaring the cash.Spanish daily El Mundo claimed today.
Ms Aveiro, who helps Ronaldo raise his four-year-old son Cristiano Jr, is said to have been allowed to fly to Portugal with the remaining €10,000 she was carrying in her handbag.
The paper quoted sources close to her as saying they believed the incident was related more to her ignorance of the legislation on cash limits rather than 'other intentions.'
A spokesman for the Civil Guard in Madrid said ..
Presidency dismisses rumours on Buhari’s delayed relocation to Aso Villa
"The so-called spiritual cleansing of the Aso Rock Villa by Senegalese marabouts before President Buhari moves into the villa is the figment of the imagination of rumour mongers." He saidShehu said renovation works at the villa was mostly the reason pres. Buhari hasn't moved to the Villa.
Boko Haram: African Military Chiefs meet in Abuja
Wednesday, 3 June 2015
Irina Shayk attacks Cristiano Ronaldo in new magazine interview
When the Russian beauty was asked if she preferred to have a partner or be alone, she said;
"Of course I prefer to be with someone, but with the right someone. It’s very simple. You have to be faithful to your other half and not have secrets. That’s my rule.”Asked to define her perfect partner, she said:
“He’s got to be kind, amusing and honest and he’s got to know how to treat a woman. And he’s also got to be faithful.”This reply is the closest she's come to confirming Cristiano cheated on her.
Photos: 50cent is dating an Armenian and she's stunning. (photos)
Ghen Ghen! New Gov. Wike begins probe of former Gov., Amaechi
Suicide bomber shouting 'Sai Buhari" attack Maiduguri market
“A suicide bomber, who was shouting “Sai Buhari”, and dancing in the abattoir, detonated Improvised Explosive Device strapped on his body when people had gathered around him. Five people, including himself, died, while eight others sustained injuries,” he said.Mr. Opadokun added that policemen were mobilised to the scene to evacuate the corpses and the convey the injured to the hospital, adding that investigation into the blast was ongoing.
(NAN)
Thursday, 28 May 2015
Full text of GEJ's remarks at the presentation of Handing-over notes to Buhari
1. I welcome you all to this occasion of the formal presentation of the Hand-over notes of my Administration to the in-coming Administration of the President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari.
2. This event and tomorrow’s inauguration of a new administration are truly historic as it is the first time in the history of our nation that we are witnessing the democratic and orderly transfer of power at the Federal level from one political party to another.
3.
The Hand-over notes which we now present, contain the governance
philosophy, strategies, policies, programmes and activities of my Administration
for the period - 2011-2015. Also to be found in the notes are the objectives, targets
and implementation strategies, achievements and challenges of our key policies,
schemes, initiatives as well as the status of commitments and liabilities of
the various MDAs.
4.
As we hand over the affairs of the nation, it is appropriate to
recall that at inception, in May 2011, we committed ourselves to consolidating
national unity through democratization and good governance. Our assessment
then, and our firm belief ever since, is that the unity of Nigeria, the
security, well-being, greater freedoms and opportunities for all citizens must
remain the primary objectives of government.
5.
The Agenda for National Transformation which we did our best to implement
consisted of clear and consistent governance strategies, policies, plans,
programmes and projects, in all facets of our national life. Emphasis was
placed on human and state security, democratization, sound economic management,
as well as structural and institutional reforms.
6.
Our foremost concern was the unity of Nigeria. In keeping with that concern, we engineered a
process that began with a review of issues outstanding from previous
Constitutional Conferences by the Belgore Committee. After that, we widened
political consultations through a National Dialogue that was orchestrated
through the Okurounmu Committee. These culminated in the all-inclusive National
Conference which unanimously reaffirmed that Nigeria must remain united and
indivisible.
Photos: Governor Fashola presents handover notes to Ambode
Governor Fashola presented his handover notes to the incoming
governor Akinwunmi Ambode at the State House Marina today May 28th. More photos after the cut...
Tuesday, 19 May 2015
Petroleum Tanker Drivers embark on strike action
The body leadership sent out a stern warning to its members to stop lifting petrol from all depot.
"Comrades/unit chairmen/executives, you are directed to suspend all loading activities in all the depots as from Monday, 18th of May. There will be severe sanctions for any chairman/others that does not comply.” the message sent to the members of the association read.No reason was stated. However industry players say the tanker drivers are protesting the non-payment of their transportation fees owed them by the oil marketers. The oil marketers in turn claim they cannot pay the tanker drivers because of the N200 billion subsidy arrears owed to them by the federal government.
I miss Bruce & now I have to mourn him - Kris Jenner cries over her ex
"First of all, you're amazing woman,' he said, reading from the note. 'We've had so many great moments together, 23-25 years of great moments together. They're still inside me. They're still part of me and I don't want to let that go. In so many ways , I have lived my life running away from me and who I am.
Thursday, 14 May 2015
Jonathan has not given me any useful tips- Buhari
President-elect Muhammadu Buhari says the outgoing Goodluck Jonathan
government hasnt given him any advise on how to kick-start his
administration on May 29.
He made this statement on Thursday when a committee from the Centre for
Human Security of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, presented a
five-point policy document to him at the Buhari Support Organisation
office in Abuja.
Taylor Swift & Calvin Harris confirm relationship, step out holding hands
Photo: Governor Adams Oshiomhole and wife-to-be, Iara Fortez
Missing NNPC money: Emir of Kano reviews PwC report, says report confirms $18.5billion was diverted
Tuesday, 12 May 2015
No girl should be married before the age of 17- Aisha Buhari, calls for legislation against early marriage
Wednesday, 6 May 2015
We won't fail Nigerians says Buhari
Buhari, who hosted a delegation from Taraba State, also said by the end of his tenure in 2019, Nigerians would be confident of a society where elections would be free, fair and credible. Also, to underscore his inclination to the rule of law, the President-elect directed security personnel attached to his convoy to always heed traffic regulations and stop at red lights.
The President-elect also said the advent of the technology of card reader and the will of the Nigerians have redefined the electoral system in Nigerian.
He said: “I think that 2015 will go down in Nigeria political history as a glorious year. Nigerians have deliberately understood what is multi party democracy. But we thank God for technology, PVC and card reader and the insistence of constituencies to make sure they are used.
“However, in two political zones where they were subverted, the people wanted to vote, but they were not allowed to vote and they continued with what they used to do in their party offices or their sitting rooms, where they would write the results, go to radio house and television house and announce the result and say whoever does not accept the result should go to court.
“How many people can go to court when they are struggling to get the next day’s meal? Where will they get the millions to give to those Senior Advocates of Nigeria. I was able to do it because of the goodwill of Nigeria which again demonstrated itself this year.
“People agreed that I am not a very rich man, but I was lucky that Nigerians believe in me and they put their strength together, voted and made sure that their votes count. I say thanks to the technology. Please continue to support those among you that you feel will go and work for your state and for the country. I assure you that the government of the APC, when eventually put in place, will be a competent Nigerian government.
“We will never betray the people because they have risked everything. Some even lost their lives in this course to make sure that APC succeed and that we have a leadership in place that they can trust and that is what multi party democracy is all about.”
He further stated: “I will tell you what made me a multi party democrat. In 1991, after coming out of detention, I was sitting at home and the Soviet Union collapsed.
They were the world power fighting the western world. They had more sophisticated weapons, but something happened. “There was confusion and everybody went away. Today, there are 18 countries from the former Soviet Union. That was when I believed that multi party democratic system is a superior form of governance and that is why I joined democracy.
Presidency to APC: You can’t stampede Jonathan out of office
The warning was given by the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali.
Prof. Alkali”s warning was sequel to the alarm raised by the All Progressives Congress, APC, that President Jonathan is running the economy aground before handing.
According to Alkali, “the allegation is immature, reckless and out of tune with the President’s desire and patriotic commitment to a peaceful transfer of power”.
Alkali , in a press statement in Abuja, said, “Nigerians will recall that shortly after the results of the Presidential elections were announced, President Goodluck Jonathan inaugurated a high powered transition committee to plan and organize a hitch free transition programme for the inauguration of the incoming administration.
“Surprisingly, it took the APC more than three weeks to wake up to its responsibility to constitute its own transition committee.
“How then can they turn round to accuse the government of frustrating the transition programme?, he asked
The Special Adviser to the President on Politics reminded the APC that “since the setting up of the committee, the President and the entire machinery of the Federal Government have been put on the transition mode and all government officers have been giving maximum cooperation to the incoming transition committee”.
He therefore cautioned the APC to refrain from blackmailing the President over recent Federal Government policies and decisions saying that “by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Jonathan remains in office up to the 29th of May 2015 when he formally hands over to the incoming President”.
Sunday, 26 April 2015
South African govt expresses anger over Nigerian govts recall of her ambassadors
South African government has released a statement expressing
their displeasure over Nigerian government's decision to recall her
envoys following Xenophobic attacks in SA. In
a statement released by the South African government's Department of
International Relations and Co-operations, SA government described
the decision as an unfortunate and regrettable step, adding that only
Nigeria has taken such a decision since the xenophobic attacks began.
According to the statement, the South African government did not blame
Nigeria when 84 of her citizens died in the Synagogue Church of All
Nations building collapse some months back. (how is it the same thing?) Find the statement released after the cut...
Jay Z addresses reports Tidal is failing, says his cousin moved to Nigeria to discover new talent
Lil Wayne's tour bus shot at in Atlanta
"The Hip Hop beef between rapper Young Thug and Lil Wayne, may have looked innocent - but last night it reportedly took a deadly tunr.
According to multiple source connected with MediaTakeOut.com, Lil Wayne's tour bus was shot up last night, while he was in Atlanta. And the streets say that it was Yound Thugs Goons that were doing the Poppin.According to one of MediaTakeOut.com's peeps associated with THUG, "Thug is very peaceful, Non violent, and he respects Wayne. But the trap n*ggas around him are different. They feel that Wayne's a f*ck boy." Much of the HARSH feelings about Wayne, stem from Wayne's LAWSUIT against his former father figure, Cash Money founder Birdman.
So here's how it all POPPED OFF. Lil Wayne performed last night at COMPOUND NIGHTCLUB in Atlanta and he had the place TURN'T. It was all cool . . . until a few TRAP DUDES associated with Young Thug approached Weezy in VIP. Weezy's security BLOCKED the goons from entering but the group of men ALLEGEDLY threatened LIl Wayne, saying,"THUG SENT THEM WITH THE STICKS" to settle any beef with Lil Wayne.
Shortly after the confrontation, Lil Wayne and his entourage LEFT THE CLUB - in a tourbus and a fleet of SUVs. The bus was later SHOT AT more than a DOZEN TIMES, by unknown assassins. The shots occurred OUTSIDE OF THE PROPERTY of Compound Nightclub - so the club is 100% NOT AT FAULT here.
Here's Wayne performing TRUFFLE BUTTER minutes before the BULLETS STARTED FLYING.
Toyin, is that a shade to Tonto Dikeh?
Wednesday, 22 April 2015
What is Blac Chyna planning to do to Kylie Jenner when she turns 18?
Aspiring rapper freestyles for Kanye West & you won't believe what Kanye did
Kanye's reaction? He entered his car, asked the guy to approach, spent time talking with him and
and then asked for his phone number and promised to call him. Wow!
Recall Nigeria's ambassador to South Africa & sue Zulu king- Senate tells Presidency
The Senate today called on the presidency to
recall Nigeria's High Commissioner to South Africa and also file a lawsuit
against Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini at the International Criminal Court following the recent xenophobic in some parts of South Africa.
At
its plenary session, the Senate President David Mark asked the South
African government not to stretch Nigerian government beyond its elastic
limit"My humble suggestion will be that South Africa should not stretch us beyond our elastic limit on this matter be cause there is a limit beyond which the nation will not accept what is happening in South Africa" he said
Also speaking, Senator Eta Enang called on Nigerian government to take painful but reciprocal actions against South Africa, adding that South African companies here in Nigeria are ripping us off through the services they provide
Monday, 20 April 2015
Wednesday, 15 April 2015
May 29th handover: Ministers, heads of agencies, others prepare handover notes
According to an exclusive report by Premium Times, in a memo titled "Request For Hand Over Briefs”, the Secretary to the Federal Government, Senator Ayim Pius Anyim, directed that handover notes be submitted on or before April 20th.
The memo in part reads "You may recall that President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR has constituted a Transition Committee to midwife the handover of Government from the present administration to the in-coming one.
The Committee which is chaired by the Vice President, Arch. Namadi sambo, GCON, has the following Terms of Reference: (a) Collate and prepare all the Handover briefs from MDAs; (b) Arrange a formal presentation of the Handover briefs to the in-coming Administration; Interface with the in-coming Administration’s transition Committee as to provide clarifications on the status of the briefs where required; (d) Prepare the President’s Handover note.
2. It is in furtherance of this Committee’s mandate that this circular is issued to request all MDAs to prepare and submit their briefs to the Secretariat of the Committee (i.e Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation) on or before the 20th of April, 2015. In preparing the briefs, be……. as much as possible.
1. Hon Ministers shall collate all inputs from the Parastatals under their supervision and accordingly process such inputs as part of their submissions;
2. Briefing format shall as much as possible follow the following pattern:
a. A brief Statement of the mandate of the MDAs;
b. Presentations shall flow from a definite policy, scheme or initiative (a highlight of the target and implementation strategy of the policy may be necessary);
c. (b) above shall be followed by the programmes and activities being implemented under the policy, scheme or initiative;
d. (c) above shall be followed by brief status report on the programme/activities under each policy, scheme or initiative. In articulating the report the following may be considered necessary:
i. Where data are presented, they should be accurate and precise;
ii.The following may be indicated:
-Commitments and liabilities
-Matters for immediate decisions
-Legislative issues
-International obligations, etc
(e) (d) shall be followed by a brief statement on the impact of the policy and its programmes;
(f) Conclusion: This may be a brief summary with recommendations.
You are expected to be precise, there is no restriction as to the volume or quantity of attachments that can follow thereto.
3. Above for your strict compliance please.”
Among those directed to submit their handover notes includes offices of the Chief of Staff to the President, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Ministers/Ministers of State, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Special Advisers/Senior Special Assistants and Service chiefs/Inspector General of Police, Chairman Federal Civil Service Commission, Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau, Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal, Chairman, Federal Character Commission, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Chairman National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Also directed to prepare their handover notes are Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments, Auditor-General of the Federation, Accountant-General of the Federation, Director General/Chief Executives of Parastatals, Agencies and Government-Owned Companies.
In a related development, the the Transition Committee headed by VP Namadi Sambo yesterday April 14th directed all Ministries, Department and Agencies to submit a 6-page handover note on or before Thursday April 16th.
The memo in part reads "Please I have been directed to request that you kindly ensure that your Agency/Departmental Handover notes reach me on or before Thursday 16th April, 2014. Be reminded that your submission should be a maximum of 6 pages, detailing the following: Summary of key functions of Agency/Department; Summary of achievements 2011-2014; Key issues/challenges and proposed solutions to tackling same. Please ensure prompt response as we are working with very tight deadlines. Thank you for your kind cooperation and prompt response.”
Source: Premium Times
CBN reduces annual overseas spending from $150,000 per Nigerian debit card to $50,000
In a circular signed and issued yesterday April 14th by the director, Trade and Exchange Department, Olakanmi Gbadamosi, the CBN said the new limit takes effect from Monday, April 13, 2015.
"All authorized dealers and the general public are hereby informed that with effect from the date of this circular (13th April, 2015) the existing limit on the usage of naira denominated cards for transactions overseas has been reviewed downward. Accordingly, the limit has been reduced $150,000 to $50,000 per person per annum. In addition, all authorized dealers are to ensure that the daily cash withdrawal limit embedded in the card per person per day is pegged at $300. Authorised dealers are to ensure strict compliance whit this new limit and render monthly returns of the transactions to the director, Trade and Exchange Department, CBN not later than 5th day of the following month.”The circular however did not state if there would be restrictions for individuals with multiple naira denominated cards from different banks.
Monday, 13 April 2015
See How The APC Sweeps Out The PDP
According to the results released by INEC, APC have so far won in 20 states while the PDP won in 9.
The 20 states won by the APC, according to INEC, are:
Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Katsina, Adamawa, Jigawa, Kano, Nasarawa, Sokoto,
Kebbi, Yobe, Bauchi, Kaduna, Niger, Borno, Benue, Kwara, Plateau, and
Zamfara states.
Imo is already in the hands of APC thus far.
Sunday, 12 April 2015
INEC declares Imo Governorship election inconclusive
According to INEC results announced in Owerri yesterday, the APC candidate polled 385,671, while the PDP candidate polled 306,142.
Returning Officer in Imo state, Prof. Ibidapo Obe, said they were declaring the election inconclusive because of the number of canceled votes which was 144,715, compared with the margin of win by Okorocha which was 79,529. Prof. Obe said a new date for new election in the wards in the different LGAs where the votes were cancelled will be announced soon.
See what Arab billionaire wedding looks like. Photos from Sultan of Brunei's son's wedding
Sultan of Brunei was once the richest man in the world. He was toppled many years ago by Bill Gates but he's still loaded and one of the richest men in the world. The youngest child, 31 year old Prince
Abdul Malik, who is the second in line to become the next Sultan, got married today to 22 year old Data Analyst
DayangkuHaji Bolkiah in a spectacular
ceremony at the monarch's 1,788-room palace in Brunei's capital, Bandar
Seri Begawan.
The billionaire monarch went all out for
this wedding. The bride and groom wore gold outfits with diamonds. The
bride's shoes were made with extra diamonds and she carried a bouquet
made of gems
rather than flower. Her tiara, necklace, brooch, bracelet and ring are all made of diamonds, studded with emeralds. See the photos after the cut...
55 Corpers released after being held hostage for 24hours in Nasarawa
The Corpers were rescued by security men this afternoon and brought to INEC Headquarter in Lafia. The Corps members said they were held hostage by the host communities because INEC returning and collation officers refused to show up after the election was peacefully concluded to collate and return election results. They said when they tried to call the returning officers, they didn't pick their calls and the host communities refused to let them go until security men came to their rescue today.
Saturday, 11 April 2015
INEC postpones election in 8 constituencies in Bayelsa state
According to the states Resident Electoral Commissioner, Baritor Kpagih, the postponement was due to insufficient supply of sensitive and non sensitive materials from INEC headquarters in Abuja.
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