Import polices will be stable – President Jonathan

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President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has assured investors that the new policies governing imports being prepared by the Economic Management Team will have a five-year tenure, to enable long-term planning.

President Jonathan was speaking to Mr. George Coumantaros, who led a four-man delegation of directors of the Flour Mills Nigeria Ltd to State House, Monday.

He stated, “the policies being prepared by the Economic Management Team will have a tenure of five years, so that investors can plan for the long term”, adding that the policies are aimed at encouraging those interested in doing business in Nigeria.

President Jonathan also said only those who have invested in specific sectors will be allowed to import the short-fall to meet national needs.

“For instance, only those who are in large-scale rice or sugar production will be allowed to import rice or sugar, on a quota to be determined by appropriate authorities, similar to the current policy in the cement sector”, the President said.

He also spoke about his commitment to the revival of agriculture, “agriculture is being taken very seriously, we want to revolutionize agriculture”.

He commended Mr. Coumantaros for the confidence he has in Nigeria, adding that Government would continue to perform its regulatory functions with due consideration of the interests of all parties.

Earlier, the Flour Mills Nigeria chairman, Mr. George Coumantaros, had told the President that his company had invested over $1bn in sugar, flour mills, rice, soya, vegetable oil, palm kernels and cement production in Nigeria, adding that the Flour Mills alone had over 65,000 shareholders.

Musa Aduwak

For: Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity)

September 5, 2011

Imo State Artist caught with N41 Million Cocaine from Brazil

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The Suspect: Oledibe Charles Chigozie

The Nigerian drug enforcement agency arrested a major drug trafficker at the weekend of September 3, 2011 with 5.850kg of high grade cocaine with an estimated street value of about 41 million naira.

Oledibe Charles Chigozie with the parcels of cocaine

The suspect, Oledibe Charles Chiagozie, 37 year old was caught at the International Airport (MMIA) Lagos on his way from Brazil with 5.850kg of cocaine industrially concealed in his luggage. Anti-narcotic officials detected the drugs during the screening of passengers on a Turkish Airline flight at the arrival hall of the MMIA.

Oledibe's bag with the parcel of cocaine

Oledibe Charles Chiagozie who claimed to be a 2001 graduate of Fine and Applied Arts at the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu earns a living as an Artist in Enugu. During interrogation, he stated that he travelled to Brazil in search of greener pastures but when he could not secure a job and was running out of money, drug trafficking became the only hope. In his words, “I am married with five children. I travelled to Brazil in July 14, 2011 with the hope of securing a job. Unfortunately, I could not secure a job. At a point I was living in a church at Sao Paulo. While I was there my wife delivered a set of twins. My desire to see my new born babies and provide money for the hospital bills led me into drug trafficking. I regret this arrest because I was expecting 15 percent which is about 6 million naira”.

The suspect hails from Mbano, Imo State and will soon be charged to court. He had his primary education at Independence Layout Primary School Enugu. He also attended Union Secondary School where he graduated in 1993.

Corruption: No Sacred Cow – Jonathan

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Economic Summit

…As Johnson-Sirleaf; Adoke; Fashola, Others Hail EFCC’s Efforts.

 President Goodluck Jonathan has vowed that his administration will not shield any corrupt person from investigation or prosecution by the anti-graft agencies in the country.

 The president who gave the assurance on Monday September 5 at the opening ceremony of the 8th National Seminar on Economic Crimes holding at the Training and Research Institute of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abuja promised that government will continue to support and encourage the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies to confront the monster of corruption more decisively  and charged them to spare no culprit regardless of his status or position.

” We will give all the necessary support and encouragement to all the anti-ccorruption agencies to vigorously enforce the enabling anti-corruption laws. I urge these agencies to do their works fairly but firmly within the armbit of the law without regard to position or status. There shall be no sacred cows. This government will not protect any so-called sacred cows. The wheel of justice must run its full course in tackling anti-corruption cases”. Jonathan, who was represented at the occasion by Vice-President Mohammed Sambo, said that his government was committed to fighting graft and save the nation the horrific effects of corruption.

According to him,”I congratulate the EFCC for the results recorded so far. I urge the commission not to rest on its oars; for the job ahead is daunting but surmountable. There are still huge stolen assets left unrecovered abroad in safe havens. The commission must work hard in collaboration with the office of the Attorney General of the Federation; the designated central authority, to recover and return those funds. Government appreciates the peculiar challenges facing anti-graft agencies. It will do everything possible within the law to facilitate the work of the agencies. At this juncture, I would like to specially congratulate the chairperson Mrs. Farida Waziri for the tremendous achievements she has been making during this period. Billions of dollars and Naira have been retrieved. You must continue with the good work and we shall continue to give you all the support.

“ It is important to stress that fighting corruption is our collective burden. Every person pays the cost of corruption directly or indirectly. The lack of power, that bad road, that hospital without drugs and basic medical facilities, that dilapidated school, that water borehole not water all of which huge sums have been expended is the cost of corruption we all pay and will continue to pay if we do not stand up and confront the monster. All well-meaning Nigerians must therefore not only say no to corruption but also do something about it. Every little effort counts; whistle blowing, vigilance in budget implementation and projects monitoring, calling public officers to account; all go a long way to assisting the anti-corruption effort. The historic signing of the Freedom of Information Bill into Law in 2011 has provided citizens with a veritable instrument to contribute to strengthening accountability and transparency in the public sector.

“The private sector equally has a big role to play. There can be no successful corruption in the public sector without connivance and collaboration with the private sector. Consistent with current International Best Practices. Therefore, multinationals and private businesses must adopt and implement transparency codes and hold their officials to account for all financial dealings. Bribe increases the cost of projects astronomically, hinders global competitiveness and is a major disincentive to investments. We must therefore work to prevent it.”

In a keynote address, the  Liberian President, Mrs Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, took an historical excursion into the travails of her country, lamenting the nation’s huge losses to graft and poor governence, inspite of the enormous natural resources available in the country.  Sirleaf said that through “structural and systemic reforms”, she has succeeded in stirring Liberia out of “systemic and suicidal corruption level”. She gave the credit to the independence of the Liberian Anti-Corruption Commission, fashioned after the EFCC and with un-fettered freedom to carry out its job.
“The Liberian Anti-corruption Commission is independent of the Ministry of Justice. It investigates and acts on any information on corruption. The LAC is getting better. Presently, its prosecutorial power lies in the judicial system of the Ministry of Justice. There is an anomaly in this and two weeks ago, I submitted to the legislature a bill to amend the act which established the anti-corruption Commission. The fight against corruption requires the Commission to be strengthened with direct but not exclusive powers to prosecute cases involving corruption and related offence”, she stated.

While commending Waziri for her outstanding performance as the EFCC Chairman, Sirleaf said that governments of both Liberia and Nigeria must continue to instill “in our citizens the values we have lost. We sholud live within our means and always earn whatever we have”.

In her welcome address, Chairman of the EFCC, Mrs. Farida Waziri, described national economic and security challenges as man-made and largely traceable to corruption where a few individuals are bleeding the wealth of the nation and causing great pain to the larger society. Waziri said the corruption of a few has caused and is causing crushing and debilitating poverty and unemployment. “This poverty has led to despair and anger which in many cases has ignited violent unrest with attendant unpleasant consequences including loss of innocent lives and property”.

She also described entrenched corruption as being responsible for the state of the nation’s poor infrastructure including power and roads. She further disclosed that “our aspiration as a country stands threatened by corruption. This is not certainly the country of the dreams of those who fought for our independence. It is neither the country of our dream. It is equally not a country many of us wish to bequeath to the next generation”.

According to the EFCC boss, in spite of the corruption-made deteriorating state of affairs of the nation, a few are still working daily to make the situation even worse. In her view, a corruption free and transparent Nigeria will put them out of business and they are determined to maintain the status quo. “Whether we allow or stop them is part of the reasons for which we are gathered here today”, she added.  

While commending President Goodluck Jonathan and the national assembly for passing and signing into law, two important pieces of legislation – the Money laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 and the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011, Waziri described the laws as complimentary to the EFCC Act 2004, the ICPC Act 2000 and the Code of Conduct Act in the fight against corruption and terrorism financing.

She assured the President that the EFCC in collaboration with sister agencies will vigorously implement these laws to realize their spirit and intent. “We shall count on your support and that of the National Assembly and the judiciary to enforce the laws without respect to personality or status.

She also informed the audience that the EFCC has recorded commendable results in the last 7 years with assets over $11 billion recovered and over 650 convictions to her credit, promising that the Commission is poised to do much more. “The sophistication, complexity and variegated nature of the problem demands much more radical, drastic and unorthodox approaches. Our society seemed to have been complacent and tolerant of corruption for too long.”

She also called for total transformation in the nation, adding that the reason many seek political office today is every other thing other than service. “Politics appears the biggest industry for illicit wealth acquisition. The foundation for bad governance is therefore laid in the nature of our politics. The only language in our politics is money. Integrity and competence hardly play any role. It is therefore not a coincidence that the root of our corruption is largely connected with public officers otherwise regarded as Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).

She urged the forum to consider and recommend a more practical approach for the courts to determine corruption cases in an expeditious manner that not only instil public confidence in the justice system but also prevent the enjoyment of assets associated with corruption.

She also reiterated her advocacy for special courts which she said must be complimented with a simplified evidence procedure that allows front loading of evidence as in election petition cases and putting time lines for conclusion of cases.

“Whatever constitutional impediments that exist should be quickly addressed. This will ensure that those accused of corrupt practices, face justice squarely; devoid of all rigmaroles. In addition to universally accepted approaches to combating corruption; each country must devise its home grown solution to best suit its local requirement as the current protracted and endless trial of corruption cases is an indictment of our justice system”, Waziri stressed.

In his own remark, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN said that the theme of the seminar was apt and topical given the present state of interdependencies and connectivity of global economies. He revealed that his office has taken seriously the issue of stolen asset recovery. According to him,”This is borne out of the desire to ensure that corrupt persons are not only punished but are prevented from enjoying the proceeds of their crimes. In this regards, we have continued to assist relevant agencies to recover and repatriate stolen assets to Nigeria. Only recently, we negotiated the recovery and repatriation of the sum of 22.5 million pounds sterling from the Island of Jersey being the proceeds of money laundered from Nigeria.

“I wish to seize opportunity to commend the Attorney General of Jersey for the support and cooperation we received and urged other jurisdictions to also extend to us, the much needed cooperation to enable us repatriate stolen assets within their jurisdictions. Our experience has shown that despite international condemnation of corruption and money laundering, many jurisdictions where stolen assets are located are either reluctant to repatriate such stolen assets to victims states or impose stringent conditions for its repatriation with attendant negative consequences on victim States.

“We also intend to vigorously purse stolen assets and the confiscation of other instrumentalities of crime within the country by strengthening our confiscatory and forfeiture laws. In this regard, we have commenced work on a comprehensive Assets Forfeiture legislation that will address the present inadequacies in our various laws. The Nigerian proceeds of crime acts and bribery acts are also in the pipeline. What these legislative interventions portend for Nigeria is that we are actively responding to global initiatives to make corruption a high risk venture that is ultimately not rewarding.

“To end this remarks, i wish to assure our distinguished invited guests and participants that the office of the Attorney General of the federation is not at loggerheads with the EFCC or indeed any other anti corruption agency. Corrupt persons will know doubt rejoice at such a prospect, but let me assure you that “the prospect of a house divided against itself” will not come to pass while i occupy the exalted office of the Attorney General of the federation.

“We are partners in the prosecution of the war against corruption, money laundering and terrorism. In this regard, i will continue to give all anti-corruption agencies the needed support and cooperation to succeed in the discharge of their statutory mandate.”

In his goodwill message the head of delegation of the European Union, Ambassador David Macrae commended the EFCC in its efforts towards ensuring good governance in Nigeria. In his words, “various anti-graft agencies play a key role all over the world in improving good governance and contributing to the development process of countries. Nigeria is not an exception. Here, the EFCC among other agencies is playing a key role in fighting corruption and evolving the political and democratic process.

“It is in recognition of the importance of achieving good governance that the European Union has been providing significant support approaching N6 billion to the EFCC/NFIU in order to improve their technical and operational capacities and integrate civil society in the fight against corruption through advocacy and awareness.”

He also said that the EU’s cooperation with the Federal government of Nigeria is intended to strengthen existing institutions with a view to improving their performance and results. In that regard, he assured of further support to the anti-corruption agencies.

He said the EU recognizes the role played by the anti-corruption agencies in their commitment to moving the anti-corruption agenda forward adding that “we see strong anti-corruption agencies as critical to the transformation agenda of the current administration”.

The occasion, hugely successful and well-attended, was graced by Vice-president Mohammed Sambo; the Liberian President, Mrs Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf; Governor of Lagos State; Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, his Benue and Kebbi states counterparts; Mr Gabriel Suswam and Seidu Dakingari, former Minister of External Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, Head of Europen delegation, Mr David  Macrae; Minister of State for Works and his Foreign Affairs counterpart among others.

President Jonathan sacks Anti-Terrorism Czar

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Available information indicates that the President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan have begun the gradual revamp of the security agencies of Nigeria. This is as 247ureports.com gathered that the President has acted to release the National Coordinator on Anti-Terrorism, Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim, a renowned former intelligence chief who was originally appointed to the post in January 2011. Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim hails from Katsina State.

Ambassador Zakari will be replaced by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Sarkin Yakin Bello.  Maj. Gen. Bello is experienced in matters concerning militancy. He had served as the Commander of the Joint Task Force (Operation Restore Hope) in the Niger Delta and as the Commander of Operation Flush Out III in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Assassinated Victims under the watch of Akpabio

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They Were Either Murdered, Assassinated Or Kidnapped; All In Governor Godswill Akpabio Administration

1) Barr. Imo Udonwa

2) Miss. Aniefon Aniediabasi

3) Engr. Emmanuel Ekpenyong

4) Mr. Mathais Ekpenyong

5) Barr. Benjamin Udoekpo

6-7) Two Women At Qua Iboe Church, Iwok

8) Dr. Austin Edet

9) Daughter Of Paramount Ruler Abak

10) Mrs. Marie Ikpe

11) Ezekiel Peter Ebere (Episco)

12) Chief Paul Inyang

13) Mrs.Philomina Udonwa

14) Anthony Akpanobong

15) Mr. Daniel John Ekanem

16) Mr. Mathew Inyang

17) Police Orderly To Mrs. Lydia Bush

18) Dr. Akpanudo Feb.2, 2011

19) Pastor David Idunuoluwa

20) Oku Ibom Iii ,Edidem Robert James Obot Jan.30, 2011

21-23) Three Acn Supporters Poisoned In Prison

24-28) Students Killed In Govt House Stampede For 1,000 Naira (4)

29-50) Students Of Polytechnic, Ikot Asurua (21)

List Of Those Who Escaped Kidnapping / Assassination:

1) Paramount Ruler Etinan, Hrm Edidem Ime D. Umoette

2) Madam Grace James Akpanudoedehe

3) Mrs. Mfon Kenneth (Wife Of Etinan Council Chairman).

4) Engrs. Obinna And Bobby, Staff Of Vich Resources Nig. Ltd.

5) Proprietor, Life Care Clinic.

6) Chief Donald Etiebet

7) Engr.Iniekong Udonwa

Kidnapped Victims : Names No. Year/ Month

1-2) Abel Daminas Children (2) 2008

3) Mr. Ubong Obot (1) 2008

4) Mr.Mustag Obot (1) 2009

5) Senator Aloysius’ Wife (1) 2009

6) Chief Nelson Effiong (1) Feb. 2009

7) Ita Enyong- Entaco (1) 2009

8) Apostle Uwa (1) 2009 (Ibibio)

9) Nse Ntuen (1) 2009 (Ibibio)

10) Aniefon Aniedi Abasi (1) Feb. 2009 (Annang)

11) Mrs. Iniobong Ekpenyong (1) 2009 (Ibibio)

12) Pa. Kevin Edet (1) 2009 (Ibibio)

13) Mrs. Michael Bush (1) 2009 (Ibibio)

14) Hop, Nsit Ubium (1) 2009 (Ibibio)

15) Opulopm Ettes’ Wife (1) 2009 (Ibibio)

16-17) Russians (2) 2009 (Expatriates)

18-23) Russian Employees (6) June 3,2007

24-29) Stemco Staff (6) 2008 ( Expatiates)

30) Uwemedimo Archibong (1) Feb.2009 (Ibibio)

31) Mrs. Adrina Uko (1) 2009 (Ibibio)

32) Mrs. Anne Enoidem (1) 2009 (Ibibio)

33) Dr. Owen R. Owen (1) June 2009

34) Mrs. Jumbo (1) June 2009 (Ibibio)

35) Pastor Akan Weeks (1) 2009 (Ibibio)

36) Awak Treasurer, O/Akara (1) 2008 (Ibibio)

37) Mr. Ikpe Ukpe (1) 2008 (Ibibio)

38) Mr. Clement Uwemedimo (1) July, 2009 (Ibibio)

39) Mr. Fiokedu Okorie (1) July 2009

40) Miss Edikan Okon Ufot (1) July, 2009 (Ibibio)

41) Daughter Of Okon Usoro (1) July, 2009 (Ibibio)

42) Expatraites’wife(Abducted Tonturukpum) (1) Mar. 2009

43) Mr. Eseme Essien (1) Sept. 2009 (Ibibio)

44) Eld. Nse Ikpe (1) Sept. 2009 (Ibibio)

45) Jackie Jay (1) Sept. 2009 (Annang)

46) Ediomo Udoko (1) Sept. 2009 (Ibibio)

47) Iniobong Sunny Jackson (1) Sept. 2009 (Ibibio)

48) Adiaha Eka Sunny Ibanga (1) Sept. 2009 (Ibibio)

49) Pst. Jonah Solomon Akpan (1) Oct. 2009 (Ibibio)

50) Mrs. Eshiet –Etinan (1) Nov. 2009

51) Mrs. Sunny Daniel (1) Nov. 2009

52) Bishop C.O Akpan (1)Dec. 2,2009

53) Mr. Usen –Manager, Uba (1) Dec. 2009

54) Hon. Hogan Ita (1) 2009

55) Mr. Michael Nkono (1) Oct. 2009

56) Mrs. Michael Nkono (1) Oct. 2009

57) Dr. Uwem Umoh (1) Nov. 2009

58) Chief Inyang Eno (1) 2009 (Ibibio)

59) Gen. Edet Akpan (1)Jan.31,2010 (Ibibio)

60) Hon. Mike Dan (Itu) (1) Jan.2010 (Ibibio)

61) Miss. Edikan Udo (1) 2009 (Ibibio)

62) Mr. Ita Onyong (1) 2010 (Ibibio)

63) Mr. John Akpan (1) 2010 (Ibibio)

64) Mr. Okon Mkpong (1)2010 (Ibibio)

65) Paramount Ruler –Okobo (1) 2010 (Okobo)

66) Prof. Akaninyene Mendie (1) 2010

67) Chief Obosi- Clan Head Ini Lga (1) 2010 (Ibibio)

68) Prophtess Mercey Inyang (1) 2010 (Ibibio)

69) Prophetess Mercey Effiong (1) 2010 (Ibibio)

70) Mrs. Elizabeth Philip (1) 2010

71) Mrs. Godwin Udoaka 1st Bank (1) 2010 (Ibibio)

72) Mrs. Godwin Bassey Eton (1) 2010 (Ibibio)

73) Prof. Imo Ukpong (1) 2010 (Ibibio)

74) Dr. Austin Edet (1) 2010 ( Ibibio)

75) Chief Emmanuel Ntukidem (1) 2010 (Ibibio)

76) Mr. Samuel Inyang-Pdp Ini Lga (1) 2010 (Ibibio)

77) 83 Yr. Old Retired Civil Servant, Mbiabong Ikpe Annang (1) 2010

(Annang)

78) Mrs. Rosey Jack Udota (1) 2010 (Ibibio)

79) Joel Francis8 – Governors’ Driver (1) 2010

80) Anthony Akpanobong (1) 2010 (Ibibio)

81) Barr. Archibong’s Wife (1) 2010 (Ibibio)

82-85) Stemco Employees (4) May 5 2010

86) Rev. Ntia I Ntia (1) 2010 (Ibibio)

87) Deacon Sandy Ntuenubok (1) 2010 (Ibibio)

88) Rev. Ime Iyire (1) 2010 (Ibibio)

89) A Female Church Member Of Imeh Uyire (1) 2010 (Ibibio)

90) Mrs. Iwakeowo Bassey Essien (1) 2010 (Ibibio)

91) Obong Mike Ene (1) 2009 (Ibibio)

92) Mr. Essien Ewoh (1) 2008 (Ibibio)

93-94) Late Ntia’s Children (2) 2010 (Ibibio)

95) Dr. Uwah (1) July 2010 (Ibibio)

96) Mrs. Comfort Ewang—Sept.2010

97) Mrs. Lydia Tom Bush –Sept.2010

98) Mr. Ewang’s Personal Assistant—- Oct.2010

99) Mr. Ewang’s Driver—Oct.2010

100) Mr. Mike Eduok —-Sept.2010 (Ibibio)

101) Imeh Ekpo (July 2010) (Ibibio)

102) Nsifre Andrew (August 2010)

103) Bishop (Pa) Okon Enyong (Ibibio)

104) Rev. Inno Idiong (Annang)-Questionable-Jan.3, 2011(May Be

Staged).

105) Dr. Memfin Ekpo (Ibibio) – Jan.16, 2011

106) Elizabeth Jerry Emah (Ibibio)

107) Udo Mma Obot (Ibibio)

108) Chairlady Of Onna Lga (Ibibio)

109) Proprietor Of Eket Polithechnic

110) John Nta (Owner Of Treasury Island) Feb.11 2011 (Ibibio)

111) Barr. Udo George, Feb 15, 2011

112) Okon Edet Johnson, Aug 2011

113) Imeobong Efiong Akpan, Aug 17,2011

List Of Those Falsely Incarcerated By The State Government:

1) Hon. Fabian Ekpenyong (Only Surviving Ekpenyong Brothers)

Incarcerated For Refusing To Testify Falsely For The

Government. (Ibibio)

2) Dr. Chris Ekong, Accused Of Killing The Ekpenyong Brothers.

(Record Shows He Was In South Africa When The Murder Took

Place) (Ibibio)

3) Mr. Davidson Uboh Substituted For The Real Killers Of

Ekpenyong Brothers Who Were Let Out Of Jail. (Ibibio)

4) Mr. Otu Ekong Substituted For The Real Killers Of Ekpenyong

Brothers.

5) Mr. Itoro William Substituted For The Real Killers Of The

Ekpenyong Brothers

6) Chief Ononokpon Incarcerated For Asking Questions Of The

Governor In The Media (Oron)

7) Dr. Chris Nyong Charged With Treason But Released On Bail

(Ibibio)

8) Amb.Sam Edem Falsely Accused Of Stealing And Charming The

Governor- Acquitted By A Judge (Ibibio)

9) Chief Imeh Umanah—Oct.2010 (Annang)

10-51) Acn Supporters Arrested During Election Riot (41)

Tell Magazine:

Sam Itauma(Ibibio), Ceo Of Crarn Escaped Three Assasination Attempts And Three Kidnapping Attempts, Almost Jailed By Gov Akpabio In Oron High Court Now His Whereabouts Still Unkown….

To Be Continued

Obong Umana

President,

Concerned Citizens Of Akwa Ibom State (Ccain), Usa

Libya: The return of colonialist bondage

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By Hakeem Babalola

Libya’s destruction, a victory for the west; a defeat for ordinary Libyans
The suffering of Libyans has just begun. For there can never be true liberation when your oppressor is the one who defines what your freedom should be. The ousting of Colonel Gaddafi, Libyan leader for 42 years, by the rebels backed western forces especially NATO is indeed a victory for the west whose fixation on Gaddafi’s Libya has become worrisome.

It’s definitely not a victory for ordinary Libyans who would continue to suffer a lot of nervous strain and shock after the destruction. Neither is it a victory for the rebels who have been in excess jubilation since capturing Gaddafi’s official residence. “We are free,” they proclaimed in wild happiness. But they have forgotten one important thing: that they are now slaves to all the countries that helped them kick out Gaddafi.

Apparently the rebels are not ordinary Libyan but a group of people who want the share of the oil with the help of foreign forces. Gaddafi’s main crime may be the fact that he refused to let the west control Libya’s resources, hence he must be eliminated by all possible means. In their euphoria and in their haste to get rid of him, they forgot that none of the countries that backed them has the interest of Libyans at heart. Let them for once re-visit Iraq.

Gaddafi’s mistake
As for Gaddafi, nothing lasts forever. The man should have known that 42 years of single-handedly ruling or administering a nation is more than too long. There is no doubting the fact that Gaddafi always means well for Libya unlike America, Britain, France, NATO, UN and other bereaved organisations claiming to love Libya more than God loves the Israelites. Ok I detest dynasty rule, and this seems to be Gaddafi`s undoing. A nation can never be the personal property of any man or group.

He should have relinquished power at a point in time and becomes the Father of the Nation or something similar. At 70 and having ruled for 42 years, Gaddafi should have embraced the uprising tactically no matter how painful it might be – at least to prevent his own legacy which the west actually wants to destroy. But then power corrupts absolute power corrupts absolutely. He should have known that America, Britain, France and others still consider themselves as the Alpha and Omega of this world – the owner of our earth.

And so they cannot tolerate any opposition from an Arab-African in the spirit of Gaddafi. This man should have realised he was not fighting the “rats” within his own environment but “desperate and hungry lions” outside his environment who have surreptitiously waited to devour him. Perhaps Gaddafi should have been more careful, especially when his colleagues in the African Union (AU) do not like his gut.

Gaddafi should have known that neither America nor its allies forget and forgive. He should have known that the oil in his background is enough to eliminate him by all means. He should have learnt a lesson from Iraq, a nation destroyed by Obama’s predecessor on the pretence that the late Iraqi leader possessed Weapon of Mass Destruction which turned out to be a ruse. It was simply a ploy by Mr. Bush to invade the oil rich nation. There is always an excuse to invade certain countries especially when the rulers of such countries refused to be a stooge.

Attacking a sovereign nation
I have stopped worrying each time the American or British or French government issues public propaganda justifying the need to attack Iraq or Afghanistan or Ivory Coast or Libya etc in order to protect the people. I have stopped worrying because it is now obvious to me that this so-called “developed nations” must use ideas or statements often exaggerated or false intended for a political cause. They need to sound as people oriented leaders to gain the much needed support otherwise they become irrelevant. They must use the empty rhetoric of politicians as an excuse to justify the partial occupation – of less powerful nations – especially Africa.

One wonders why United Nations has not ordered the attack on North Korea! And why it is so easy to bombard Libya under the pretext of protecting the civilians in that region. Even though more than 20,000 have lost their lives in the civil war, what’s coming out of people like David Cameron of Britain, Hilary Clinton of America and others is disturbing. “I pledge support for a new era,” says Mrs Clinton, US Secretary of State. In what I consider a sinister statement, Mr Cameron says we would like to see Gaddafi punished for his crimes, adding: “We need a swift transition to a democratic and inclusive Libya,”

Inclusive Libya? Is it that necessary to include Libya in Libya’s affairs? Ah, to include the Libyan people is to further disrupt the agenda of a purpose. Let America, Britain and France take over Libya completely and divide it among themselves. For this would be the true picture of the main objective. Libyans and Africans in general aren’t capable of taking care of themselves hence the need to bombard every independent African State.

Rhapsody of Gaddafi’s elimination
In February, the trouble barely started in Libya when America, France and Britain began to campaign for Gaddafi’s exist. Their rhapsody of Gaddafi’s elimination was so soon then that it backfired; because discern minds wanted to know why these three countries were so fixated on Libya. Is it because like Iraq, it is an oil producing nation? Why was it so easy for these three countries to back the rebels? Did they know before hand that Libya was to face uprising? What was behind their open support for the rebels? Why did they start freezing Libya’s asset immediately the trouble started?

Can any African nation freezes Britain or US assets in any circumstance? What happened in Libya at that time was just unfolding but these nations had gone to town calling for the head of Gaddafi, saying he was killing his people. Will American or British or French government fold its arm if a group of rebels come together to topple the government?

“Oyinbo” always right mentality
I suppose it is easy for the western countries to attack or occupy African continent because they have mastered the art of colluding with African rulers. African people it seems hate their own image. Majority still probably believe that “Oyinbo” is always right. This mental slavery is reoccurring in different forms: it may be the process of “protecting the people of Africa” from their dictators (as if there are no dictators elsewhere) whenever it pleases the western countries to destroy any African nation of their choice. Can’t they leave African people to fight for ourselves? Or are we forever tied to their apron?

Destroy & build doctrine
It is interesting how easy our so-called intellectuals often blame their own rulers without asking the occupiers to leave Africa alone. Sad as it is, it’s amusing many African intellectuals are yet to understand the game – the game of destroy and build. Let them go read “The Shock Doctrine” by Naomi Klein. That book reveals America’s brutal tactics in dealing with whomever or whatever nation it wants to deal with. Africa has to be destroyed to enrich the western nations who are always the benefactor of such destruction.

Thereafter they would send their businessmen to get the contract to rebuild. The notorious International Monetary Fund (IMF) would offer to loan in order to further enslave the “protected civilians” even the country at large. Of course with the collaboration of the locals – governments included – whose thinking faculty is all about money.

How long will it take Africans to realise that no other nation or continent – no matter how powerful or rich – would sincerely volunteer to help Africa develop, or help build Africa? Each man to his own problem! It’s only Africans that can genuinely build Africa if we want. I salute Germany, Russia, China and others who have been diplomatic cautious and not aggressive in this regard.

Probing NATO forces
There has always been a double standard policy by the international organisations. Why is NATO spear-heading/spear-headed the attack on Libya while creating the impression that the rebels are acting on their own in the attacks in Tripoli? I agree with South Africa’s deputy president, Kgalema Motlanthe who has called for probe against possible human rights violations committed by NATO forces in Libya. Reports have it that NATO conducted 46 strikes sorties in area around Tripoli. The question is whether the (court) will have the wherewithal to unearth that information and bring those who are responsible to book, including the NATO commanders on the ground. NATO says target is not to kill Gaddafi and that it’s not coordinating with National Transition Council. Oh, really? Did NATO back the rebels with intelligence, logistics, ammunitions, training and aerial cover or not? Is this a violation of the letter and spirit of the UN charter or not? NATO nations clearly contravened UN arms embargo on Libya

Disappointing United Nations
As for the United Nations, the organisation has achieved very little in terms of solving conflicts around the world. It is hard to see what is united in United Nations. Why is the organisation always sending what it calls “Humanitarian Aid” only after the damaged might have been done?

I think the UN should cultivate the habit of preventing conflicts – by all means possible rather than sending aids. The United Nations seems to be failing in its responsibility to inspire peace among nations. The presence of UN since its inception in 1945 should have made the world a living place to live. Unfortunately, nations have been divided more than united. Perhaps this organisation needs to change tactics.

The UN resolution should be to protect and not to take side. On what principle did the UN back the rebels? Malam El-Rufai of Nigeria puts it succinctly: The swiftness at which the UN passes resolutions that water the grounds for the West’s intervention in any country is directly proportional to the oil reserves in that country, as well as history of past grudges. The United Nations must not be seen as a partial or stooge of certain powerful countries.

Where is the African Union & Arab League?
African Union ke? The AU is becoming embarrassment. It’s supposed to be the mouth piece of Africa but has since become useless since the destruction started in Libya. The organisation is so much in slumber that foreign organisations like European Union had to take charge, dictating the pace of the uprising. AU has further tarnished its image and disgraced the whole of Africa by not being the one in charge of an affair concerning its member state. It doesn’t matter its tactical approach, saying it will not “explicitly recognised the rebels”. Whatever that means! Arab League on the other hand is quick to say it is in “full solidarity with the rebels”. The position of these two important organisations added to the impunity with which the western countries violate Libya’s sovereignty.

Libyan rebels as stooges
My heartfelt sympathy goes to the Libyan people. Sure, people are always the victims in this circumstance. How can the rebels claim victory when it’s obvious the western countries fought the war? The rebels should have done it alone without the help of outsiders. By so doing they committed the same crime they accused Gaddafi of. The rebels like their foreign counterparts are misleading the people by claiming they’re fighting people’s fight. I don’t believe this.

The rebels are definitely fighting for their own share of the resources. Any insurgence that allows foreigners to attack own country cannot come clean of doing it for the same people they kill. How would they tell these nations to leave after they had helped them win the war? These “hegemonic” nations have come to stay and position themselves for contracts. Of course this is normal after spending a lot to help win the war. It’s the name of the game. Period
Lindsay German says Libya won’t be able to get rid of pro-west government. Ms German, Convenor of the Stop the War Coalition, London, adds that “rebels will form western imposed government”. The rebels in their murky acceleration for revenge or getting rid of Gaddafi disregarded post war trauma on the people and therefore committed the same crime they accused Gaddafi of. The rebels know quite alright that accepting the west to help fight Gaddafi’s forces would have adverse effect on Libya and its people. Yet no one cares.

Gaddafi & the western press
Gaddafi may not be as bad as being painted by the western press whose bias reporting about the uprising is alarming. Accordingly, every atrocity committed during the uprising is done by Gaddafi’s forces while the rebels are considered innocent. It is Gaddafi and not the rebels that destroyed Libya. It is Gaddafi forces that killed civilians and not the rebels.

Personally despite Gaddafi’s shortcomings, I prefer him to other African rulers who often cringe before America and Britain. For instance, I would choose Gaddafi’s eccentric and dictatorship over Hosni Mubarak and Olusegun Obasanjo’s conventional and “democratic” rule. When you report in a war that one side is killing its people then the discerning minds of course would like to know what happens to the other side. Is the other side fighting to embrace? The way the international media reported and reporting the happenings in Libya is one-sided which is regrettable.

Gaddafi is not as bad as is being painted by the west. He is much better than many African rulers who are in the good book of America and co. Mubarak who is now facing charges of corruption and murder in a country he once ruled for example enjoyed America’s backing and patronage for more that thirty years until the last moment. However if there’s evidence that Gaddafi killed his own people randomly, then of course he will have to face the charges

National Transitional Council
What is the principle behind the National Transitional Council when in fact many former aids of Gaddafi who had defected may constitute NTC? I predict that NTC will soon run into trouble. And I predict that whatever they do to Gaddafi is what they too will get. But before then, let them be cautious in dealing with the west.

The west obviously is concerned with their own interest. For instance, they have started telling us that Pro-revolt foreign states will get contract to re-build Libya, meaning China, Germany and Russia to lose out because they did not support the revolt. We are told that NTC needs 300 billion euro to rebuild Libya. The money of course would go back the west whose citizens will get most of the contracts. Most importantly, the National Transitional Council should ask itself when last America or Britain or France invited African forces to help them deal with their internal problems!

True liberation
True freedom will come only if each African country can confront its own tyrants without the help of outsiders whose aim would always to turn Africa into a “burning volcano and a fire under the feet of invaders”. For me, the rebels’ proclamation of freedom simply because the west helped them destroy their country is false freedom never to be celebrated. It is bondage in freedom. Libya will now be ruled by their oppressors pretending to be friends. Iraq and Afghanistan are two examples.

In conclusion
Libya like Iraq will never be the same and that is the crux of the matter. Libya’s destruction is a victory for the west; a defeat for ordinary Libyans. Sure Gaddafi has made mistakes but neither a monster nor a mad dog as being painted by several American presidents. As for me even with his non-conformity, he is not as bad as most jejune African leaders who conform to code of conduct. Gaddafi usually speaks his mind at the UN General Assembly meeting unlike other African representatives who just nod their heads in agreement with the so-called superpowers. Such “being-my-self” attitude is enough to mark him out as the enemy.
Attacking a sovereign nation is the hallmark of destroy and build principle employed by the west especially America to pave way for a stooge government in the African region. It is unfortunate that the international journalists allow themselves to be used in this regard. I consider NATO’s involvement; even UN as double standard. I believe passionately that the west cannot and will never give Africa and its people true freedom. It is Africans that can liberate themselves without outside help. How long will it take? That is what I don’t know.

Hakeem Babalola is the Managing Editor, African News Hungary
editorafricannews@yahoo.com

The failed “reformation” of APGA by Gov Rochas Okorocha

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Gov Rochas Okorocha

The gubernatorial victories at the electoral polls on February 2010 and April 2011 in Anambra and Imo States by gubernatorial candidates of the All Progressive Grand Alliance [APGA] in the persons of Governor Peter Obi and Governor Rochas Okorocha, respectively, saw a new nostalgia taking root in the south east political sphere particularly amongst the mainstream south east political pillars resident in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. But keen observers have come to note the nostalgia to have been mismanaged and probably mishandled by the overzealous tendencies of new politicians who fluxed into the party without knowledge of the conscience of APGA.

Founding members of APGA point to the recent actions by Gov Peter Obi and Gov Rochas Okorocha as indicative of foul-play and unacceptable to the original tenets with which the party was formed. Sources within the Imo State APGA executive cabinet informed 247ureports.com that shortly following the swearing-in of Gov Okorocha as the Governor of Imo State; he drafted a letter addressed to the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh seeking the dissolution of the Imo State APGA executive.  He cited the reformation of the party as his principal reason for wanting to sack/dissolve the entire Imo State APGA executive cabinet. Chief Umeh, in response, presented the contents of the letter to the National Working Committee [NWC] of the party for deliberation. The NWC rejected the request stating that the Imo State APGA executive labored to see the victory of APGA in the gubernatorial seat in Imo State – and should be given the opportunity to reap the benefits of their labor.   

Undeterred by the NWC rejection, Gov Okorocha approached Gov Obi.  He impressed on Mr. Peter Obi on the need to begin the reformation of APGA – starting with the dissolution of the State party executives. Gov Peter Obi took the bait. Okorocha’s request came at a time when Peter Obi was caught between a latent battle between two party chieftains in the State, Chief Victor Umeh and Chief Nwaobualor.  Both want control of the Anambra State APGA executive. So it was welcoming for Mr. Peter Obi to entertain the notion of dissolving the APGA State executives. Mr. Peter Obi then drafted a letter addressed to the Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh requesting for the dissolution of the State executives. Upon receipt, the APGA NWC rejected the request citing similar reasons.

 The NWC’s refusal to heed to the request of the two south east governor’s further changed the chemistry of power struggle in APGA. It immediately turned the two south east governors against the NWC and the National Chairman of the party. On the part of Gov Okorocha, he extended his arms of friendship to the deposed founding chairman of APGA, Chief Chekwas Okorie, and brought him in as partner in the ensuing intra-party battle. Okorocha also reached out to Chief Nwaobualor to join in the battle – that has turned its guns to the APGA National Chairman and his National executive members.

In this new battle posture, the duo of Gov Obi and Gov Okorocha jointly sought for the removal of Chief Victor Umeh from the top seat in APGA.

And “coincidentally”, a group within APGA sprang up to denounce the chairmanship of Chief Victor Umeh – leveling charges of alleged financial misappropriation. The group, which is believed by political insiders in Imo State, to be funded by Gov Okorocha, announced the ousting of Chief Victor Umeh as the Chairman of the party and the entire executive cabinet –and named their replacements.

However recent developments in Anambra and Imo State indicate that all may not be going well in the battle to “revamp” the National executives of APGA. This is as 247ureports.com gathered through a source close to the activities in the government house in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, that the Governor of Imo State may have decided to abandon the idea – midway. This was gathered during a closed door meeting at the government house in Awka held September 4, 2011 between the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, his cabinet members and members of the Anambra State House of Assembly where Gov Peter Obi addressed the meeting indicating that Gov Okorocha appears to have lost steam in the battle to remove the National Executive – that the National Chairman remains Chief Victor Umeh – and that the honor due to the National Chairman of APGA should be accorded him. Gov Obi went on to comment that he had gone to Owerri for the Odenigbo meeting and had made efforts to see Gov Okorocha but Okorocha was being evasive. Gov Obi stated that Okorocha’s evasiveness occurred in more than occasion.        

Through deductive implication, Gov Okorocha may have turned away from the APGA battle to face the myriad of administrative maladies in Imo State. Perhaps as the electioneering campaign for council elections begin to take hold in Imo State and Anambra State, the postures of the two State governors towards the present APGA executive will be clearer.

FRSC Pays Bills of Indigent Accident Victims

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The Anambra State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps Mr Ayobami Omiyale has given the job of the Commission an added human face, with the  payment of the hospital bills of an indigent accident victim in Awka, William Obinna.

The young man in his mid twenties had been discharged from the Regina Caeli Hospital , Awka but could not settle his bills, had come back for a follow-up treatment when he met the FRSC officers who were just at the hospital on humanitarian mission that moment. 

Omiyale told journalists that humanitarian mission was part of activities lined up by the command to mark the commencement of this year’s ‘Ember Months’ road safety campaign. It was also combined with the second anniversary of the establishment of the FRSC RS5.3 Awka Fellowship Centre.

They also visited commercial motorcycles’ (Okada)parks in Awka and hospitals where accident victims were on admission where they sympathized, consoled the victims and donated some cash to most of them .

Omiyale noted with joy and satisfaction that their intervention in Obinna’s case and their clearance of his outstanding medical bills evidently restored his freedom, liberty and happiness once more.

The FRSC commander also made donations to two commercial motorcyclists of accident in the hospital, one of whom said he did not have a crash helmet because fine he needed to pay for not wearing his helmet was not much different from the N1,500 cost of acquiring a helmet.

The FRSC staff donations to the accident victims ranged between N5,000 and N10,000.

“For us it was fulfilling and inspiring; an eye-opener for us to see how people can react when you give them something that if they don’t have can lead to death or punishment. It was so touching to see the love when they responded,” Omiyale said.

At a special service to mark the second anniversary of the FRSC RS5.3 Awka Fellowship Centre, Apostle Chukwuemeka Chukwujekwu, FRSC staff would make a lot of difference if they carried God along in their duties.

The Chairman of the Anniversary Committee, Mr. J.M. Garba, said the fellowship was not just about praise and worship, “it has rendered both moral and financial assistance to several individuals in need, distributed safety helmets to Okada riders and visited accident victims in hospitals.”

Boko Haram: MOSSAD/CIA to probe Nigerian Security Agencies

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Information available to 247ureports.com indicates the remnants of the United Nation bomb explosion in Abuja, Nigeria on August 2011 has continued its reverberation across the international community, particularly within concerned communities of the Middle East zone who fear the Middle Eastern sponsored international terrorism may have found new roots among the countries of the western sub-Saharan region of Africa.

As gathered from a National security operative, the various security apparatus of Nigeria is believed to have been infiltrated at top levels by the terrorist Islamic cult – and the President of the Nation has become aware of the infiltration – and has setup a probe/examine committee consisting primarily of Israeli/USA recommended intelligence officers to probe/examine the entire Nigerian security apparatus.    

According to information sourced from the highly placed official of the State Security Service [SSS] of Nigeria, foreign intelligence operatives had been concerned over the trend of separatist based violence in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region among a religious cult by the name Boko Haram – believed to have links with the Afghanistan/Pakistan based terrorist group, the Al Quada.

The heightened alert on Nigeria as possible breeding ground for new Afro  Islamic terrorism initially became a concern to the government of United States of America and its allies[especially Israel] in the Middle East immediately following the Yom Kippur War in 1973 – a period followed by the global oil crisis when most of the Sub-Saharan countries severed diplomatic ties with Israel – due to two prime factors: promises of cheap oil and financial aid and compliance with the OAU (Organization of African Unity) resolution, sponsored by Arab countries, calling for the severing of relations with Israel. Nigeria was among these countries, and consequently, official cooperation and development projects between Nigeria and Israel were strangled. In September 1992, nineteen [19yrs] years later, shortly after the death of General Ibrahim Babangida’s quest to remain the Head of State of Nigeria perpetually, the diplomatic ties were mended, and in April 1993 a Nigerian Embassy was opened in Israel for the first time.   

Intelligence operatives of the United States of America [USA] and of Israel since the mending of diplomatic relations have remained cautious of the religious tensions in the northern region of Nigeria and its connections to the Arab/Israeli unrest in the Middle East. Against their cautiousness, the two countries opened wide reaching channels through a joint operation of the MOSSAD and the CIA to monitor the links/activities between Islamic groups in Nigeria and Islamic agitation in the Middle East.

The arrival in November 30, 2007 during the era of high volatility in the crude oil producing Niger Delta region of the highly renowned intelligence officer of the MOSSAD as the Israelis Ambassador to Nigeria in the person of Ambassador Moshe Ram marked the re-intensification of MOSSAD/CIA operation in Nigeria and the immediate environs. Ambassador Ram began his public service career in 1963 as a soldier at the Israeli Defense Force – and has remained in the foreign service of the Israeli government. Between 1992 and 1994, he taught at the College of National Defense where would-be MOSSAD agents receive academic training. Between 2001 and 2005, the Israeli ambassador was attached to the intelligence gathering operation in Chicago, USA during the period following the September 11, 2001 attack in USA. Ambassador Moshe Ram doubles as the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria and Ghana. He also serves as the Israeli Ambassador to ECOWAS.

As 247ureports.com gathered, Ambassador Ram is believed to be overseeing the MOSSAD probe of the Nigerian security agencies against the likely infiltration of sympathizers of Islamic terrorism. Our source notes that the Ambassador has started operation – and has met the approval of the presidency.      

CIA Reportedly Worked Closely With Gaddafi Intelligence Services‏

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CIA Agents in Libya

TRIPOLI, Libya — The CIA worked closely with Moammar Gadhafi’s intelligence services in the rendition of terror suspects to Libya for interrogation, according to documents seen Saturday by the AP, cooperation that could spark tensions between Washington and Libya’s new rulers.

The CIA was among a number of foreign intelligence services that worked with Libya’s agencies, according to documents found at a Libyan security agency building in Tripoli.

The discovery came as the Libyan rebels said they would surround pro-Gadhafi cities until the Sept. 10 deadline for their surrender.

“We are by the grace of God in a position of strength, capable of entering any city, to deploy any of our fighters in any direction,” the head of the rebels’ National Transitional Council, Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, told reporters in Benghazi. “However, in our desire to avoid bloodshed and to avoid more destruction to public properties and national institutions, we have given an ultimatum of one week to the areas of Sirte, Bani Walid, Jufra and Sabha.”

“It is an opportunity for these cities to peacefully join the revolution,” he said, adding the rebels were providing humanitarian aid to the besieged areas along with water and electricity services.

The intelligence documents found in Tripoli, meanwhile, provided new details on the ties between Western countries and Gadhafi’s regime. Many of those same countries backed the NATO attacks that helped Libya’s rebels force Gadhafi from power.

One notable case is that of Abdel-Hakim Belhaj, commander of the anti-Gadhafi rebel force that now controls Tripoli. Belhaj is the former leader of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group, a now-dissolved militant group with links to al-Qaida. Belhaj says he was tortured by CIA agents at a secret prison, then returned to Libya.

Two documents from March 2004 appear to be American correspondence to Libyan officials to arrange Belhaj’s rendition.

Referring to him by his nom de guerre, Abdullah al-Sadiq, the documents say he will be flown from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Libya and asks for Libyan government agents to accompany him.

t also requests American “access to al-Sadiq for debriefing purposes once he is in your custody.”

“Please be advised that we must be assured that al-Sadiq will be treated humanely and that his human rights will be respected,” the document says.

Peter Bouckaert of Human Rights Watch, which found the documents, called the ties between Washington and Gadhafi’s regime “a very dark chapter in American intelligence history, and it remains a stain on the record of the American intelligence services that they cooperated with these very abusive intelligence services.”

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