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Kano, Politics

Re: Governor Abba Don’t Play Politics With Insecurity: Replying Senator Barau

By Abdullahi Hafiz I read with keen interest a press statement issued by Senator Barau I. Jibrin’s media office calling on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf not to politicise the issue of insecurity. The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has urged Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State to refrain from politicising the challenges of insecurity and instead focus on addressing the numerous problems bedevilling the state under his watch. The statement, which is replete with hollow reasons and unsubstantiated claims, has now also exposed the Deputy Senate President’s non-awareness of the true state of politics and politicking and even the welfare of the people he claims to represent — the people of Kano North. Senator Barau’s likeness for attention in Kano has drawn many people into deception, thinking that the senator, who is also the second in command at the legislature, is always trying to prove what is not on ground since his election into the Senate in the year 2015. Read Also: Barau Cautions Gov. Yusuf Against Politicising Insecurity, Challenges Kano Govt to Produce Evidence In one way or the other, as a lawmaker and the highest-ranking one for that matter, Senator Barau’s development agenda is only being seen in the pages of newspapers and the digital media. As he mentioned through Ismail Mudassir that the Kano State Government should not play with the issue of insecurity, it left many people wondering and wandering what Senator Barau meant. In a situation whereby the community which Senator Barau came from — the Kano North Senatorial District — is now vulnerable to insurgent attacks as it shares borders with many communities in Katsina that were ravaged by banditry, it is very appalling and takes one to unease. Security, apart from protecting lives and properties, includes ensuring a motorable road for your constituents, which is one of the safest means of security. For example, the Kano–Gwarzo Road was awarded since Senator Barau’s entry into the Senate 10 years ago, and he was instrumental in awarding the contract for the total rehabilitation of the road. Unfortunately, by the time you bypass a section of Kano metropolis after BUK and Janguza Barracks, what you will encounter as a driver up to Kano’s border with Katsina is an unmotorable road linking Kano to Dayi. The road is in total disrepair, and it was Senator Barau who brought the motion for re-awarding the construction of the road since 2015. The question the majority of the constituents are asking is why the road is still in a state of disrepair when most of the federal roads in southern Nigeria were completed. Leaving a major unmotorable road in your constituency, which you brought in 2015, is one of the serious disasters of insecurity, incompetence, and retardation of the progress of Kano, which you accused Governor Abba of. As Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf is the Chief Security Officer of the state, and Kano is at his heart. He has not aided any sabotage in undermining the security of the state like the way you were accused of. During the social media popular programme Fashin Baki anchored by Barrister Bulama Bukarti, Abba Hikima, Nasiru Salisu Zango, and Jaafar Jaafar, investigative journalist Jaafar Jaafar accused you of being instrumental in undermining the well-being of Kano and its people. Still, your media office or spokesperson did not offer any rebuttal to that accusation. Are you afraid that journalist Jaafar Jaafar may have cogent reasons for making those allegations against you? “Jaafar Jaafar said a lot of people are pointing accusing fingers at the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, of undermining the security and well-being of Kano, but people should know that Senator Barau is at the forefront.” On the claim by Senator Barau’s media office about providing support to security agencies, Governor Abba, who was mandated by the Constitution of Nigeria to do that, has surpassed you. The main issue some of us from Kano North are daring you to tell us, for our own security of lives and properties, is the issue of Gwarzo Road, which you supervised its reconstruction. But what happened in ten years since you entered the Red Chamber as Chairman and head of an important Committee of Appropriation? Now that you are the Deputy Senate President, what happened to the multiple awards of contracts on that road? Comrade Abdullahi Hafiz wrote from Kano

Kano, News, Politics

Ganduje Describes Call for His Arrest as Baseless, Accuses Kano Govt of Abdicating Responsibility

The former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and immediate past Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has dismissed the call for his arrest by the Kano State Government as baseless, reckless, and politically motivated. In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Dr. Ganduje said the allegation that he made comments relating to the establishment of a militia group was unfounded and reflected what he described as the desperation and incompetence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration. He argued that the declaration amounted to an abdication of responsibility by a government that has failed to secure the lives and property of citizens. “It is deeply unfortunate that rather than addressing the escalating insecurity ravaging the state, Governor Yusuf has chosen to chase shadows while searching for scapegoats to conceal his glaring failures,” the statement read. “At a time when communities such as Bagwai, Shanono, Tsanyawa, and other affected areas are living in fear, the governor has neither visited nor shown empathy toward the victims.” Read Also: Barau Cautions Gov. Yusuf Against Politicising Insecurity, Challenges Kano Govt to Produce Evidence Ganduje added that the governor’s “continued absence in moments that require leadership speaks volumes of his disconnect from the people he claims to serve.” The former governor maintained that he has never been associated with violence nor linked to any act capable of undermining the peace and stability of Kano State. The statement further noted that during his eight-year tenure, Ganduje ensured the state remained secure, earning national commendation for maintaining peace and protecting lives and property— a record he said stands in sharp contrast to what he called the current administration’s lack of direction. Ganduje urged Governor Yusuf to focus on his constitutional duty of protecting residents rather than engaging in political theatrics and issuing unfounded allegations. He added that leadership must be demonstrated through purposeful action, responsibility, and compassion— not through press conferences or statements aimed at diverting public attention from governance failures.

Kano, News, Politics

Barau Cautions Gov. Yusuf Against Politicising Insecurity, Challenges Kano Govt to Produce Evidence

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has cautioned Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State against politicising issues of insecurity, urging him instead to focus on tackling the numerous challenges confronting the state. Senator Barau was reacting to allegations by the Kano State Government that his recent comments were capable of undermining ongoing security efforts. The accusation was made at the end of the 34th Executive Council Meeting presided over by Governor Yusuf. In a statement issued by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, the Deputy Senate President dismissed the claims as false, reckless, and malicious. He insisted that insecurity— including recent bandit incursions into parts of the state — should not be politicised and requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders. According to him, the state government must substantiate its allegations by producing the video clip where he purportedly made statements capable of escalating insecurity. Read Also: Jonathan Questions Legitimacy of Guinea-Bissau ‘Coup’, Demands Release of Election Results “There was no time Senator Barau uttered any statement capable of undermining security efforts,” the statement said. “Instead, he has consistently collaborated with stakeholders to address insecurity challenges in Kano and across the country.” Barau, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, called on Governor Yusuf to “wake up from slumber” and focus on restoring governance and development in the state. “Until governance was relegated to the background, Kano used to be a very close second to Lagos in terms of prosperity. Misgovernance has eroded this standing. We have everything necessary to restore the glorious days of our state, but the governor is not taking steps in that direction,” he added. Highlighting his contributions to improving security, Barau noted that he has donated operational vehicles to police formations across his senatorial district and beyond, provided motorcycles to policemen in Kano North, renovated parts of the state police headquarters, and constructed police stations in various communities. He has also supported the Department of State Services (DSS). Furthermore, he facilitated the establishment of key security training institutions including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Training College in Gwarzo, the Nigeria Police Service Commission Training Institute in Kabo, and the Nigeria Immigration Service Training School in Bichi — all currently under construction. He added that solar-powered streetlights installed across his senatorial district and other parts of the state have strengthened nighttime security operations. “The state government should emulate these efforts rather than casting aspersions on his personality,” the statement said.

Abuja, Kano, National, Politics

2027: Kano stands firm behind Tinubu under Ganduje, says stalwart

By Hussaini Ibrahim, Kano  Kano State leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have reaffirmed their unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 presidential bid, hailing former National Chairman and Kano APC leader, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for consolidating party structures and ensuring grassroots unity. The declaration followed a three-day stakeholders’ meeting at Ganduje’s residence on Miango Road, which drew representatives from all 44 local government areas and 484 wards of the state. Umar Idris Shuaibu, an APC stalwart in Kano, described the gathering as a “strategic demonstration of unity and preparedness,” emphasizing Ganduje’s pivotal role in strengthening the party’s influence in the state. “Kano stands firm behind Tinubu because of Dr. Ganduje’s visionary leadership,” Shuaibu said. “He has ensured that the APC operates as a disciplined, cohesive, and fully mobilized party.” Read Also: Ganduje Not Creating New Hisbah Commission, Ibn Sina Clarifies The meeting concluded with a unanimous endorsement of Tinubu as the APC’s sole presidential candidate for 2027. Party leaders pledged to maintain coordination across wards, strengthen party structures, and ensure readiness for the elections. Shuaibu noted that Ganduje instructed that all APC offices in local governments and wards remain accessible and functional to accommodate new members defecting from opposition parties. “This is not just about numbers,” he said. “It is about building a party machinery that works at every level, ensuring Kano remains an APC stronghold.” In a significant move to strengthen party infrastructure, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, Member of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations representing Bichi Federal Constituency, announced a donation of ₦5 million to each of the 44 local government APC offices in Kano State. The contribution, Shuaibu explained, is aimed at supporting the renovation or establishment of functional party offices across the state. “This gesture will enhance operational efficiency and grassroots cohesion, ensuring every LGA office is well-equipped to serve the party and its members,” he said. Political analysts highlighted Kano’s strategic importance in national elections, noting that the state recorded the highest number of APC members during the last registration exercise—a momentum party leaders aim to sustain. Shuaibu also said the meeting prepared the APC for its e-registration exercise, further consolidating membership and grassroots engagement. “Ganduje’s leadership ensures that the APC is not only ready for elections but ready to secure a decisive victory,” he added. He added that the unanimous endorsement of Tinubu sends a clear signal across the country: Kano APC under Ganduje is united, disciplined, and fully committed to the party’s national agenda. “Dr. Ganduje’s influence goes beyond party offices; it inspires confidence among leaders and members alike,” Shuaibu said. “His foresight ensures Kano will continue to play a decisive role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape in 2027 and beyond.” The three-day meeting also discussed strengthening party cohesion, coordinating activities at the ward level, and positioning Kano APC as a critical contributor to national electoral success. With Ganduje at the helm and the N5 million support to each LGA office, party leaders affirmed that the state is fully prepared to back Tinubu’s campaign and deliver a decisive mandate in 2027.

Feature, Kano, Politics

Dear President Tinubu, Murtala Sule Garo Matters

By Aminu Dahiru Ever since the All Progressives Congress (APC) lost the 2023 governorship election in Kano State, a highly contested race, which ended in the court, I have been expecting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to find a space within his cabinet or somewhere else to accommodate the APC deputy governorship candidate of the party in the state in the 2023 election in Kano State, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo. My readers may ask why I am bringing up the issue of Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo now and of what significance is this call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political future. I have observed and analyzed the president’s political journey, what some call the political sagacity of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and have come to the conclusion that Tinubu takes grassroots mobilization or movements and their movers seriously. This is one reason which makes the president a political wizard of our time. And by every standard, Murtala Sule Garo is out to add a touch of vitality to the “Renewed Hope Agenda”, which has its roots so deep in service to Nigeria. Being the most populous state and potentially the biggest democracy in Nigeria, Kano remains a strong voting bloc capable of shaping elections. Therefore, identifying and drawing near those who can detect Kano’s political pulse should be one of the president’s prime concerns. Read Also: APC Kano Warns Minister Ata Over Comments on Party Affairs 2027: Kano APC Stakeholders Unanimously Back President Tinubu Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, APC Loyalists Clash Over Staff Evictions from Colony Residential Complex, Mafara The political enigma, the youth triumphantly call “Commander”, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo is a formidable political figure in Kano State and beyond. He commands hundreds of youth organizations. For years, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo has been in the possession of the string; he moves youth movements in the state at one go. However, this is not for nothing. Garo labored for it and conquered the hearts of youths. Youth and women empowerment, job creation, and commitment to social development top agendas in Alhaji Murtala Sule’s political dictionary.   Thick Political Muscles … Arguably, aside from the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo is the most prominent and active political figure in the APC in Kano State. The teaming youth and women he commands are evidence of this. From Garo in Kabo Local Government to Gabasawa LG, Dambata to Gaya LG, Commander’s political structure runs across the forty-four local government areas of Kano state; and this political motorcade slews through villages, towns and cities. Youths flow in on a daily basis. For example, the one-million-man campaign march for Tinubu Ganduje led in Kano State prior to the 2023 presidential election, along with many more political mobilizations, owes its success to Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo’s effective mobilization skills. The commander is to Ganduje what “Man Friday” to Robinson Crusoe. Trust, loyalty and capacity bind the two political leaders.   Garo is Green… The Tinubu administration needs to pay more attention to and invest more on nurturing youth – youth inclusion. Undoubtedly, the government has appointed youths into key positions. As President Tinubu envisaged it, still youth inclusion is the future of politics in Nigeria and Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo symbolizes healing, health, youth and political fertility. He is someone to whom hundreds of thousands of youths look up to.   A source of delight to Kano APC members… In government and out of government this political figure has given a political lifeline to APC members in Kano State. For example, during Ramadan and Sallah festivities, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo donated millions of naira to families, party elders and the APC social media team members. He has clung to this habit of fertilizing the party ever since. It was to calm the nerves of the Commander’s teeming supporters that Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on a podium, told the APC supporters in the state that Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo’s appointment is underway. This did not only put a smile on the faces of the audience, but also rekindled hope. Youth have been yearning to see loyal party members and capacitated political leaders like Commander appointed into key positions; to them this, equates life and/or an ever-lasting commitment to their well-being.   Garo and Detractors There are strong allegations that some individuals in key positions are working tirelessly to block Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo from receiving a federal government appointment. They fear that Commander’s rising popularity is eclipsing their perceived failure. But this approach is shortsighted and dangerous. The APC in Kano state urgently needs Garo’s expertise and widespread appeal to unseat the ruling NNPP in 2027. To date, despite his being out of government for a while, Garo is the most acceptable APC member in Kano state, owing to his generosity.   Kano 2023 governorship election Despite the apparent challenges which hindered the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano from retaining the governorship seat, the party’s candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, still managed to secure 890,705 votes, representing approximately 45.03% of the total votes, as against Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who polled 019,602, approximately 51.55%. Traditionally the people of Kano state tend to grow disenchanted with any government or a political party after every eight years, often opting for change But Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo’s exceptional organisational capacity to mobilization skills played a crucial role in preventing the party from suffering a complete loss. There were perceptions that the Buhari-led Federal Government was determined to politically humiliate former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, thereby complicating the APC position in the state. We all know what happened in court.   Garo and Kano by-elections Renowned politicians and political pundits have pointed out that the APC’s loss in Bagwai/Shanono state assembly by election and as well as its narrow escape from defeat in Ghari/Tsanyawa state assembly by-election can largely be attributed to the sidelining of Commander. The margin of 10,851 votes in Bagwai/Shanono was a

National, News, Politics

NNPP Urges INEC, Public to Disregard ‘Illegal’ Congresses by Kwankwasiya Group

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) on Monday called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the general public to disregard the purported congresses announced by the Kwankwasiya Movement led by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing the initiative as unconstitutional and of no effect. In a statement issued by its National Secretary, Ogini Olaposi, the party said the NNPP-court-ordered congresses had already been held and concluded in line with existing judicial directives. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Kwankwaso-led group had written to INEC to notify the commission of plans to conduct fresh congresses and a national convention from November 25 to January 2026. The NNPP, however, insisted that the group has no authority to conduct congresses on behalf of the party, noting that the Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the Kwankwasiya Movement before the 2023 presidential election had since expired. Read Also: 2027: Kano APC Stakeholders Unanimously Back President Tinubu According to the statement, Kwankwaso—its 2023 presidential candidate—and some members of the Kwankwasiya group remain expelled from the party over alleged anti-party activities. “We are still amazed that a man of Kwankwaso’s standing insists on hijacking a party that offered him a platform—free of charge—to contest the 2023 presidential election,” the NNPP said. The party urged INEC to uphold court orders and immediately update its website to reflect the authentic leadership of the NNPP. “The Abia State High Court and the Federal Capital Territory High Court affirmed the expulsion of Kwankwaso and his group from the NNPP’s internal democratic processes. It is unfortunate that he continues to conduct himself in a manner that disrespects and abuses court judgments,” the party added. The NNPP also criticised the Commission for what it described as a lack of timely response to its letters seeking enforcement of judicial pronouncements. “As an umpire, INEC cannot continue to sit on the fence. It must not encourage actions capable of causing a crisis in our democracy,” it stated. The party further urged its members nationwide to disregard what it called “fake congresses and conventions” allegedly being organised by the Kwankwasiya Movement. “Once again, we appeal to INEC to help democracy succeed. The Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration can only thrive where laws are obeyed and respected,” the statement added.

Kano, National, Politics

Ganduje Strengthens APC Structures as Kano Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu for 2027 — Says Ally

In an exclusive interview, a close political ally of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Umar Idris Shuaibu, provided detailed insights into what transpired during the recent three-day APC Caucus Meeting held at Ganduje’s Miango Road residence. According to Umar, the meeting, which brought together stakeholders from all 44 local government areas and 484 wards of Kano State, culminated in a unanimous endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the APC’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. He said the endorsement reaffirmed Kano’s position as a major stronghold of the ruling party and reflected the stakeholders’ confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda. Umar explained that Dr. Ganduje, the immediate past National Chairman of the APC, used the meeting to reinforce internal party structures, emphasise unity, and outline strategies for effective mobilisation ahead of 2027. He said discussions centred on strengthening ward and local government offices, preparing for the party’s e-registration exercise, and ensuring seamless communication across party organs. Read Also: 2027: Kano APC Stakeholders Unanimously Back President Tinubu He disclosed that Ganduje directed the 44 local government chairmen and 484 ward leaders to keep party offices open, functional, and accessible, especially as new members continue to defect from the opposition. According to him, this instruction is part of a broader effort to maintain APC’s dominance and expand its grassroots support base. Umar added that Dr. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, during the Caucus meeting, provided all 44 local government APC offices with the sum of N5 million each. He said the funds were given to strengthen party operations at the grassroots, improve office conditions, and support continuous party activities as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections. He further noted that the meeting also reviewed the party’s readiness for the upcoming e-registration, confirming that computers and digital tools had already been supplied to local offices. He recalled that Kano recorded the highest registration figures during the previous APC membership exercise and expressed confidence that the state would maintain this lead. Umar concluded that the resolutions reached at the meeting reflect Ganduje’s strategic leadership approach and his commitment to positioning Kano APC for sweeping victories in 2027, including delivering a decisive win for President Tinubu.

Adamawa, Niger, Politics

Former VP Atiku Abubakar Registers as ADC Member in Jada

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has formally registered as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in his hometown, Jada Local Government Area, Ward 1. Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general election, arrived at the registration venue to a warm reception from party supporters, youth groups, and ADC stalwarts from across Adamawa State. Many party members described his decision to pick up the ADC membership card in his hometown as a significant development for the party ahead of future political activities. Read Also: 2027: Kano APC Stakeholders Unanimously Back President Tinubu Addressing the gathering, ADC leaders in the state said Atiku’s entry into the party represents a major boost to its strength and visibility, citing his extensive political experience and national influence. Supporters who trooped out in large numbers expressed optimism that his presence in the ADC will reshape the political landscape both in Adamawa State and nationally. Although the former Vice President did not make any formal political declaration at the event, his engagement with the party structure has continued to generate discussions about the future direction of the ADC and its prospects in upcoming elections.  

Kano, National, Politics

2027: Kano APC Stakeholders Unanimously Back President Tinubu

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State have unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. The announcement was made by the APC leader in the state and immediate past National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, shortly after a three-day stakeholders’ meeting held at his Miango Road residence in Kano. Ganduje said the endorsement was agreed upon by stakeholders drawn from all 44 local government areas and 484 wards of the state. He noted that party leaders reaffirmed their commitment to unity, progress, and continued support for President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, which they believe is positively impacting Nigerians. Read Also: Yilwatda, Ganduje, Gbajabiamila, Barau Witness Defection of Two Kano NNPP Lawmakers to APC He explained that discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening party structures and ensuring cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections. Stakeholders also resolved to work toward securing victory for the APC in all elective positions within the state and delivering a decisive win for President Tinubu. “We have directed the chairmen of the 44 local government branches and the 484 ward chairmen to ensure that party offices remain accessible and functional,” Ganduje said. He added that this measure would help accommodate new members defecting from opposition parties. Ganduje further revealed that party executives at all levels have been instructed to publicly announce President Tinubu as the APC’s sole presidential candidate for 2027. He noted that the meeting also reviewed preparations for the party’s e-registration exercise, disclosing that computers had already been supplied to party offices for the exercise. Ganduje recalled that Kano State recorded the highest number of party members during the last APC registration exercise and affirmed the resolve of the state chapter to sustain that record.

Kano, News, Politics

APC Kano Warns Minister Ata Over Comments on Party Affairs

The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has cautioned the State Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, over recent public statements which the party described as capable of causing internal misunderstandings. In a letter dated November 21, 2025, and signed by the APC State Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Abbas, the party expressed concern that Ata’s comments “have the tendency to provoke misunderstandings and disunity among members.” The letter was copied to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda; the Kano State Party Leader and immediate past National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR, who also serves as Chairperson of the Board of FAAN; as well as the APC North West Zonal Vice Chairman. Read Also: Kiru Defends 2021 School Closures, Says Current Nationwide Shutdowns Validate Decision The party stated that Ata “is not assigned a public relations role within the party, and such public comments may be wrongly interpreted as official party positions.” It stressed that issues relating to internal party matters remain the exclusive responsibility of the APC leadership and its authorized spokespersons. While acknowledging his right to support any aspirant, the party reminded Ata that “by virtue of your position as Hon. Minister and member of the Federal Executive Council, you are expected to engage on issues that will facilitate the unity of all party members.” The APC further accused the minister of making “uncomplimentary and derogatory public pronouncements,” warning that continued disregard for party discipline may attract “further disciplinary action.”

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