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A fresh political storm is brewing in Zamfara State as a group known as the Zamfara State Concerned Citizens has announced plans to institute legal proceedings against former Governor of Zamfara State and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, over allegations concerning his educational qualifications.

The group, led by Barrister Musa Abdullahi, alleged that Matawalle relied on a certificate obtained from the Vocational Training Centre, Bunza, to secure election into public office and later appointment as a minister, despite what it described as questions surrounding the qualification’s compliance with constitutional requirements.

In a media statement signed on its behalf, Barrister Abdullahi said the group had concluded consultations and was preparing legal action aimed at testing the validity of the credentials before a court of competent jurisdiction.

According to him, public offices are positions of trust that demand honesty, transparency and strict compliance with the law.

The group argued that the use of forged or invalid educational credentials to secure public office, if established by a court, amounts to a grave violation of public trust and undermines the integrity of democratic institutions.

Barrister Abdu maintained that Nigerian laws criminalize forgery, certificate falsification and false declaration, stressing that any public official found guilty of such offences should face appropriate legal consequences.

“We believe that no individual should be allowed to benefit from public office through misrepresentation. The law must apply equally to everyone, irrespective of status or position,” he said.

The group further argued that where a public office holder is found to have obtained office through false credentials, such a person may face disqualification, removal from office and prosecution in accordance with applicable laws.

It also contended that salaries, allowances, benefits and privileges allegedly obtained through such misrepresentation should be recovered by the appropriate authorities.

In a strongly worded statement, the Zamfara State Concerned Citizens said public officials must be held to the highest ethical standards, warning that failure to address allegations of credential fraud could send the wrong signal to young Nigerians and weaken public confidence in governance.

The group also criticized Matawalle’s public interventions on security matters, accusing him of making statements capable of generating unnecessary controversy at a time citizens expect reassurance and constructive engagement from leaders.

According to Barrister Abdu, the planned court action is not only about one individual but about protecting the sanctity of public office and ensuring that honesty remains a fundamental requirement for leadership.

He said the legal challenge would also serve as a deterrent to anyone who might contemplate using false information or questionable credentials to gain access to public office.

The Zamfara State Concerned Citizens insisted that accountability, transparency and respect for the rule of law remain essential pillars of democracy and vowed to pursue the matter through all lawful channels.

As of the time of filing this report, Matawalle had not publicly responded to the latest allegations.

KANO The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intercepted 15 suitcases containing gold bars valued at approximately ₦4 billion at the Aminu Kano International Airport. The consignment was being loaded onto an Ethiopian Airlines flight bound for Saudi Arabia when it was seized.

Three suspects were arrested during the operation, including Aliyu Baffa, a serving airport security officer, and two accomplices. According to EFCC sources and airport security officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, the suspects voluntarily confessed that the gold was being smuggled out of the country on the instruction of Senator Abdul Aziz Yari Abubakar, former Governor of Zamfara State.

The suspects further alleged that they are part of a cartel involved in illegal mining operations across Zamfara, Kaduna, and Kebbi States, which they claim is controlled by Senator Yari.

A senior airport security official recounted: “Our personnel observed suspicious items concealed in 15 suitcases during cargo loading. We immediately alerted the EFCC, leading to the interception of the physical gold bars.

Following the arrests, a political associate of Senator Yari identified as a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) reportedly contacted EFCC officials seeking the release of the seized gold. The request was declined. The associate was also denied access to officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Immigration Service, and airport authorities. He was advised to inform Senator Yari to report to the EFCC for questioning, after the detained suspects named the former governor as the alleged principal actor

In a related development, a serving Member of the House of Representatives, described as a known confidant of Senator Yari, was sighted at the EFCC Kano Zonal Office in company of two other individuals.

Senator Yari has previously faced allegations of involvement in illegal mining and the diversion of stamp duty revenues, with claims that proceeds were channeled into funding the ADC. He has not been charged in connection with those allegations.

As of press time, Senator Yari had not responded to multiple telephone calls and 21 text messages seeking his comment on the current allegations.

The EFCC confirmed that the seized gold remains in its custody and that investigations are ongoing.

A civil society organisation, the Coalition for Accountability and National Development (CAND), has accused former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari, of allegedly undermining the Federal Government’s efforts to maximise revenue from Nigeria’s solid minerals sector through illegal mining activities.

The group made the allegation while reacting to the reported interception of an aircraft allegedly conveying gold valued at about N4 billion by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Ibrahim Musa, CAND described the seizure, linked to Senator Yari, as a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal mining and economic sabotage.

According to the organisation, the illicit exploitation and smuggling of gold and other mineral resources have continued to deprive Nigeria of substantial revenue that could otherwise be channelled into critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education and security.

“We commend the EFCC and other security agencies for their vigilance and commitment in tackling illegal mining activities across the country.

“We are happy that the reported interception of gold worth about N4 billion allegedly linked to Yari demonstrates the scale of revenue loss the nation has been suffering due to illicit operations in the mining sector,” the statement said.

The coalition further alleged that some politically exposed persons and influential individuals had continued to benefit from illegal mining activities in mineral-rich states, thereby frustrating ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to reform and regulate the sector.

While specifically mentioning Yari in its allegations, the group called on security and anti-corruption agencies to conduct thorough investigations into all individuals and networks linked to illegal mining and gold smuggling, irrespective of their political status or affiliations.

“We urge the authorities to carry out comprehensive investigations and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full weight of the law. The fight against illegal mining must not be selective if Nigeria is to derive maximum benefits from its vast mineral resources,” the statement added.

CAND also argued that illegal mining has contributed to environmental degradation, insecurity and the proliferation of armed groups in several mining communities, particularly across Nigeria’s North-West region.

The organisation called on the Federal Government to strengthen monitoring mechanisms within the mining industry, improve collaboration among security agencies and deploy modern technology to track mineral extraction and exports.

It also urged mining regulators to intensify efforts to formalise artisanal mining operations and ensure strict compliance with existing mining laws and regulations.

The EFCC has in recent months intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities, warning that the illicit exploitation of mineral resources poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic growth, environmental sustainability and national security.

The group however vowed to support the ongoing investigation with a view to ensure that the truth is unravelled as the developing story unveils.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure overwhelming support across Northern Nigeria, particularly in the North-West, during the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking on the performance of the current administration, Matawalle said President Tinubu remains politically popular in the region and is likely to receive even greater electoral backing than in previous contests. He argued that the administration’s efforts in addressing insecurity, improving infrastructure, and implementing economic reforms have strengthened public confidence in the government.

The minister dismissed criticisms from opposition groups, accusing them of deliberately amplifying security concerns and spreading misleading narratives to diminish the achievements recorded by the Federal Government.

According to him, opposition politicians have focused on isolated security incidents while ignoring broader successes recorded by the military and other security agencies in the fight against banditry, terrorism, and other forms of criminality.

Matawalle praised members of the Armed Forces and security agencies for their sacrifices in protecting the country, noting that many personnel have lost their lives while defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

He stated that the Tinubu administration has adopted a more coordinated, intelligence-based security strategy, particularly in North-West states such as Sokoto State, Zamfara State, Katsina State, Kaduna State and Kebbi State. He said these efforts have led to the elimination of several notorious bandit leaders and the dismantling of criminal hideouts.

The minister added that military operations have helped restore relative calm in many previously troubled communities, allowing residents to return to farming and other productive activities. He also pointed to progress in counterinsurgency operations in the North-East and efforts aimed at reducing violence in parts of North-Central Nigeria.

Highlighting the administration’s broader achievements, Matawalle said the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda has delivered measurable results in security, infrastructure, agriculture, social investment, and economic reform.

He cited ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects, investments in rail and energy infrastructure, agricultural support programmes, food security initiatives, and empowerment schemes targeting young people and women as examples of interventions benefiting Northern communities.

According to him, government efforts to improve education, strengthen local industries, expand economic opportunities, and enhance national security have continued to receive positive feedback from citizens across the region.

Matawalle maintained that the administration’s accomplishments would play a significant role in shaping voter sentiment ahead of the next general election.

He argued that many Nigerians, particularly in the North, are already seeing improvements in security and economic opportunities and would not be swayed by what he described as politically motivated attacks against the government.

The minister said President Tinubu remains focused on governance, national development, and improving the welfare of citizens, expressing confidence that voters would reward those efforts with strong support in 2027.

He also called on political leaders across party lines to prioritize national unity and support initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, security, and development throughout the country.

The statement was issued by Ahmad Dan-Wudil, Personal Assistant on Media to the Minister of State for Defence.

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By Our Correspondent, Abuja

June 10, 2026

As the dust settles on another week of mass abductions across Nigeria, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has dropped a political bombshell, accusing the presidency and APC governors of prioritizing the 2027 election over the lives of millions of citizens.

In an exclusive news analysis of the group’s latest press statement, SMBLF leaders painted a grim picture of a nation whose leaders have allegedly turned state allocations into a personal campaign slush fund while bandits freely terrorize schools and farming communities.

A Tale of Two Crises

While President Bola Tinubu’s family and allies are busy distributing “expensive vehicles and cash gifts” for political mileage, the SMBLF claims that no fewer than 100,000 Nigerians are now internally displaced in the North-West and Middle Belt alone.

The forum cited specific intelligence suggesting that the recent beheading of a teacher in Oyo State and the abduction of 42 children in Borno represent a new, terrifying normal—one the government appears unwilling to confront.

“The Nigerian political leadership is sleepwalking,” the statement warned. “Every day, social media bleeds with videos of beheadings by terrorists. Yet, the villa is silent, consumed by the arithmetic of 2027.”

The ‘N800bn Heist’ Allegation

In perhaps its most explosive claim, the SMBLF detailed what it called the “Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA)”—allegedly a coded financial vehicle used by the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF).

According to sources cited in the SMBLF briefing:

· N1 billion is allegedly deducted monthly from each APC-controlled state’s FAAC allocation.
· N800 billion is projected to have been warehoused for the President’s re-election.
· The funds are allegedly managed outside the official treasury, bypassing procurement laws.

“The EFCC and ICPC must act immediately,” the forum demanded. “This is not politics; this is grand larceny committed while children rot in terrorist camps.”

Regional Breakdown of Terror

Unlike previous generic statements, the SMBLF provided a brutal regional scorecard:

· South-West: Once-thriving communities in Oyo and Kwara are now deserted.
· North-Central: Benue and Plateau remain “hostage zones,” with farmers unable to access their land, worsening the national food crisis.
· North-East: While the rescue of 360 hostages in Gwozah was praised as an “outstanding achievement,” it was deemed an exception rather than the rule.

The First Lady’s Role

Taking a rare direct swipe at the presidency’s inner circle, the forum questioned the constitutionality of First Lady Remi Tinubu’s recent activities. “She holds no executive office,” the leaders noted, “yet her lavish empowerment tours look exactly like a pre-campaign roadshow. It is a distraction from the bloodshed.”

Demands for Immediate Action

The SMBLF gave the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum (implicit in their demands) to:

1. Allow the NFIU to freeze any accounts linked to the alleged RHA fund.
2. Deploy permanent military detachments to all vulnerable schools in the Middle Belt and South-West.
3. Establish special war crime courts to try captured bandits within 60 days.

Reactions

When contacted, a senior aide to the President (who pleaded anonymity) dismissed the allegations as “opposition propaganda,” insisting that the “Renewed Hope Agenda” is a development initiative, not a campaign fund. However, no official rebuttal was issued by press time.

Meanwhile, the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has called for an emergency parliamentary session to investigate the SMBLF’s claims, describing the alleged N800 billion as “treason against the poor.”

What happens next?
With the SMBLF—a coalition that speaks for millions in the South and Middle Belt—now openly accusing the government of criminal negligence, the political temperature has risen sharply. For the families of the 40 pupils still missing in Oyo State, however, the question remains: Where is the President?

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Developing Story…

The leadership crisis within the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) has taken a fresh dimension as a faction of the party has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), challenging the emergence of Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as National Chairman and seeking recognition as the authentic leadership of the party.

The faction, which traces its lineage to the leadership structure established by the late PRP founder, Balarabe Musa, also threatened legal action against INEC if the electoral body fails to recognize its claims.

Speaking with journalists, the faction’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Bashir Bello, alleged that the convention that produced Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as National Chairman was unconstitutional and contrary to the provisions of the party’s constitution.

According to Bello, the late Balarabe Musa had handed over the affairs of the party to former National Chairman, Malam Falalu Bello, who completed his tenure in office in accordance with the party’s constitution. He argued that Falalu Bello lacked the authority to unilaterally transfer leadership of the party to Baba-Ahmed.

“The late Balarabe Musa handed over the affairs of the party to Malam Falalu Bello, who served as National Chairman and completed his tenure. Upon the expiration of his tenure, he ceased to be the leader of the party. However, he single-handedly handed over leadership to Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, creating unnecessary crisis in the party,” Bello said.

He stated that the faction had formally petitioned INEC over the convention that produced Baba-Ahmed, insisting that the process was flawed and violated both the spirit and letter of the PRP constitution.

Bello disclosed that the group had conducted a parallel national convention, compiled its reports and submitted them to INEC, urging the commission to recognize its faction as the legitimate leadership of the party.

“We have petitioned INEC on the conduct of the convention by Falalu Bello that ushered in Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as the party’s National Chairman, which appears flawed and against the spirit and letter of our party’s constitution.
“We have also conducted our parallel convention, compiled and submitted our report to INEC, urging the commission to recognize our faction as the authentic party,” he stated.

The factional spokesman further revealed that his group had successfully conducted primary elections and submitted the names of its candidates to INEC, including its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, Dr. Sani Salih Mustapha.

“Likewise, we have conducted our primaries and submitted the names of our candidates, including our presidential candidate, Dr. Sani Salih Mustapha, to the commission,” Bello said.

He, however, clarified that no court case had yet been filed against INEC, explaining that the faction was awaiting the commission’s response to its petition before taking further legal steps.
“We have not yet filed a court case. We are awaiting INEC’s response to our petition, which we may use as evidence in court if the commission’s decision does not favour us.

“Failure of the commission to recognize our faction will leave us with no other option than to seek judicial redress,” he added.

The latest development marks another chapter in the protracted leadership tussle that has continued to divide the PRP, a party founded on the principles of social justice and popular democracy by the late Balarabe Musa.

An Arewa socio-cultural group has praised the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, for what it described as his commitment to the protection of Northerners residing in the state.

The group, under the aegis of the Arewa Unity and Development Forum, said Governor Uzodimma’s administration has continued to demonstrate inclusiveness and tolerance by ensuring that residents, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds, enjoy equal rights and protection under the law.

In a press statement signed by Comrade Musa Bawa Mohammed, the group’s spokesperson noted that the governor had consistently promoted peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic groups living in Imo State, creating an atmosphere conducive for business and social interaction.

According to the group, thousands of Northerners living and conducting legitimate businesses in the state have benefited from the government’s efforts to maintain security and foster unity among residents.

“We commend Governor Hope Uzodimma for his leadership and commitment to the safety of all Nigerians living in Imo State. His administration has shown that every citizen, irrespective of tribe or religion, deserves protection and equal opportunities,” the spokesperson said.

The forum further stated that the governor’s approach to governance has helped strengthen national integration and reduce ethnic tensions, particularly at a time when the country faces various security and socio-political challenges.

The group urged other state governors across the federation to emulate Uzodimma’s example by implementing policies that promote inclusiveness, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at fostering national unity and encouraging harmonious relationships among Nigerians regardless of their place of origin.

The Arewa group expressed optimism that continued collaboration between government authorities and community leaders would further enhance peace, security, and economic development in Imo State and across the country.

The recent launch of the Atiku Abubakar political platform in Zamfara State by Senator Abdulaziz Yari is a brazen act of anti-party activity designed to sabotage the re-election bid of Governor Dauda Lawal and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

Credible reports confirm that Yari’s inner caucus and loyalists were fully kitted in Atiku-branded materials during the symbolic unveiling, leaving no doubt about his alignment with the opposition.

This comes against a troubling backdrop:

1. Financial Questions: It is public knowledge that Senator Yari’s bank accounts were recently frozen by relevant authorities over unresolved financial issues.This raises serious questions he is yet to answer.
2. Disregard for Party Unity: Yari deliberately boycotted all stakeholders’ meetings of Zamfara political leaders before and after the APC primaries, showing contempt for collective decision-making.
3. Rejection of State Leadership: By his actions, Yari has insultingly refused to recognize Governor Dauda Lawal as the political leader of Zamfara State, thereby abdicating his responsibility to the APC structure he claims to belong to.

It is therefore inconceivable that a so-called APC leader would undermine the party’s chances ahead of crucial elections. Yet, history is repeating itself this is the same pattern of betrayal that cost APC all political offices in Zamfara in the past.

Further, there are widespread rumors that Senator Yari is bankrolling elements in opposition parties to weaken both Governor Dauda Lawal and President Tinubu’s electoral prospects.

Recall that a few months ago, Yari held a private meeting with Atiku Abubakar at the latter’s residence. No details of that meeting were disclosed. With the launch of this Atiku platform in Zamfara, it is now clear: Yari is working behind the scenes to engineer APC’s failure in Zamfara State.

We call on the APC National Working Committee to investigate these anti-party activities and act decisively. Zamfara APC cannot afford another betrayal.

Mohammed Yusuf
NATIONAL COORDINATOR.

APC RESQUE AND REBUILD MOVEMENT.

A Political Commentary By Mustapha Mohammed Gusau.

As Nigeria gradually approaches the 2027 general elections, members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) must remain focused on anti- party activities by some aggrieved party members and loyalists.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration continues to implement policies aimed at economic reform, security enhancement, and national development. While opinions may differ on the pace and impact of these reforms, there is no doubt that the success of the APC in 2027 will depend largely on its ability to checkmate party leaders and loyalists who are planning to sabotage the success of the APC in both governorship and presidential elections.

Steps must be put in place to cross check and monitor such ambitions party leaders who are bent on ensuring that everything must be done in accordance to their interests because they have money in their hands.

Political history has repeatedly shown that opposition parties often benefit not only from their own organization but also from conflicts within ruling parties. In Zamfara State, many party loyalists still reflect on the circumstances surrounding the APC’s loss of the governorship seat in 2023.

Different stakeholders have offered varying interpretations of what went wrong, but one lesson remains clear: disunity carries a heavy political cost.

Recent political developments and speculations have generated concerns among some APC members regarding the activities of certain influential figures within the party. There are growing discussions in political circles suggesting that some individuals may be reconsidering their political alignments ahead of 2027. While such reports remain matters of public debate and should be treated with caution until verified, they have understandably attracted the attention of party faithful.

Of particular concern to many supporters is the possibility that personal grievances, political ambitions, or unresolved disputes could overshadow the collective interests of the party in Zamfara State.

The APC recent launching of Atiku Support and Solidarity Caps by Sen. Yari loyalists and political camp and his remarks that he would not speak until after the elections, has generated concerns and dabates among APC stakeholders and political groups. Investigations into the motives behind the Yari camp recent actions and activities showed that camp was not happy with the freezing of the their Boss accounts on the allegations of financial misconduct and refusal by the President to see him in Paris when he visited the President. Angered by these combined action against their leaders, the inner circle of the political camp decided to shift their allegiance to Atiku Abubakar and some other political parties as they did to the APC in the 2023 governorship election in Zamfara State, leading to the lost of the governorship seat.
An insider who pleaded anonymous said Yari Aircraft manager and handler one Mr Ema was recently invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and was ordered to handover all documents relating to the Yari’s Aircrafts. This, according to the inside source has caused more actions that could lead to anti-party activities during the elections.
The most significant action of the Yari camp is the recent design, production and launching of the Atiku Support Caps as shown in the pictures below.
( insert the pictures)
Party Myers leaders at both state and national levels must remain alert to any actions that may undermine party success at the 2027 elections in Zamfara State or weaken support for President Tinubu’s re-election efforts.

Political loyalty is ultimately tested during challenging periods. Genuine party leaders are expected to place the interests of their party, their state, and the nation above personal considerations.

As the 2027 elections draw nearer, APC supporters across Zamfara State must prioritize unity, grassroots mobilization, and effective communication of the achievements of the Tinubu administration.

The focus should remain on presenting a compelling vision for the future rather than engaging in destructive internal rivalries.

The road to victory in 2027 will not be determined by individual political calculations but by the collective commitment of party members to a common purpose.

APC stakeholders must therefore work together to prevent divisions, discourage sabotage, and ensure that the party remains strong enough to retain the presidency and reclaim greater political strength in Zamfara State.

History has shown that united parties win elections, while divided parties create opportunities for their opponents.

The choice before APC members is therefore clear: unity, discipline, and loyalty to the party’s shared objectives must prevail over personal interests if success is to be achieved in 2027.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State has cautioned former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Zailani, against what it described as persistent provocative remarks and attacks on the ruling party following his defeat in the recently concluded party primaries.

The party leadership expressed concern over Zailani’s recent public comments, alleging that the former lawmaker had embarked on a campaign capable of undermining the unity and image of the APC in Kaduna State.

Speaking in a chat with journalists, the Chairman of the APC in Igabi Local Government, Hon. Bashir Jibrin Jaji, said the party was disappointed by what he termed “unwarranted vituperations” from a senior party member who had benefitted immensely from the platform of the APC.

According to Jaji, Zailani’s conduct since the conclusion of the primaries has been unbecoming of a party loyalist and could create unnecessary tension within the ranks of the party if not checked.

He noted that the APC primary election was conducted in a fair, transparent and credible manner, adding that all aspirants were given equal opportunities to test their popularity before delegates.

“Politics is not a do-or-die affair. It is a game of numbers. The people have spoken through the democratic process and every aspirant is expected to respect the outcome of the primaries,” Jaji said.

The APC chairman further alleged that since losing the contest, the former Speaker had become increasingly critical of the party and its leadership, a development he said was capable of misleading party supporters and members of the public.

He stressed that party discipline remains a core principle of the APC and warned that any member found engaging in actions capable of bringing the party into disrepute could face sanctions in line with the party’s constitution.

“We are advising Rt. Hon. Yusuf Zailani to refrain from making statements that could damage the image of the APC. Constructive criticism is welcome within the party, but attacks that portray the party negatively will not be tolerated.

“As a respected elder and former Speaker, he should be helping to strengthen party cohesion rather than creating divisions. The APC remains united and focused on delivering democratic dividends to the people,” he added.

Jaji called on party members across Igabi Local Government and Kaduna State to remain calm, loyal and committed to the ideals of the APC, irrespective of the outcome of internal contests.

He maintained that the party’s leadership remains open to reconciliation and dialogue with aggrieved members but emphasized that all members must place the collective interest of the APC above personal ambitions.

The APC chairman expressed confidence that the party would emerge stronger from the post-primary period and urged members to close ranks ahead of future political engagements.

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