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‘I Hold Tinubu In Utmost Respect’ – Natasha Speaks On Viral Video With ‘Omo Ologo’ Song Amid Rumours Of Defection
AFOLABI
Suspended Senator representing Kogi central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has dismissed a viral TikTok video with the popular song ‘Omo Ologo,’ a track synonymous with President Bola Tinubu.
Naija News reports that the 15-second video, posted on May 8, features the senator playfully engaging with the camera while subtly smiling, prompting varied reactions from netizens.
The song “Omo Ologo,” performed by Kano-based musician, Dauda ‘Rarara’ Kahutu at a dinner event on May 3, has become a cultural phenomenon.
The dinner, held in Katsina State in honour of President Tinubu, was part of his two-day official visit to the state, where he assessed the region’s security situation.
Rarara’s song, “Omo Ologo” (a glorious child), serves as a tribute to Tinubu, praising him as a triumphant leader who has overcome his critics.
In her TikTok post, Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote, “Just for fun, song choked,” which some users interpreted as a lighthearted comment, while others read into it with political undertones.
However, Natasha, via her X, handled on Saturday, issued a public disclaimer saying she does not own a TikTok account.
The lawmaker stated that the viral video, which featured a short clip of her with the background tune “Omo Ologo,” did not emanate from her.
While urging the public to disregard the viral video, Natasha added that it was created using an old clip from 2023.
She wrote, “Public Alert ? I do not own a TicTok account.
“Many parody accounts exist in my name on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Some have garnered large following.
“While I hold the President in utmost respect; I’d urge everyone to disregard the mischievous post made using an old 2023 video of mine.
“God blesscSenatorc@NatashaAkpoticUduaghan”
The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has launched the AI Campus Network, a pan-African initiative aimed at training 10,000 young people in artificial intelligence, digital technology, and media innovation by 2030.
In a statement on Saturday, CJID said the University of Lagos will serve as the inaugural host institution for the initiative, in collaboration with the institution’s Google Developers Groups on Campus (GDGoC).
The centre said the programme is designed to equip a new generation of African creators, coders, and tech leaders with industry-relevant skills and real-world experience.
The initiative, it said, will feature coding bootcamps tailored for secondary school students, university undergraduates, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, and young professionals.
CJID said the programme will offer internship placements coordinated with partner organisations to bridge the gap between training and professional practice.
“The future of AI, digital technology, and media innovation is here,” said Akintunde Babatunde, executive director of CJID.
“We are repositioning young Africans to be not just users, but creators and leaders in the technology space. This is not just a skills-building project—it’s about transforming Africa’s role in the global tech ecosystem.”
He added that the AI Campus Network will prioritise inclusion, with a focus on participants from underrepresented communities, particularly young women.
“We are committed to ensuring that young people from diverse backgrounds have the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to shape the future of AI and media technology. We are not waiting for the future to happen—we are building it,” Babatunde said.
CJID said the AI Campus Network will be rolled out to other Nigerian universities before expanding into Ghana by the last quarter of 2025.
The long-term goal, it said, is to establish a network of learning hubs across Africa.
Since 2023, CJID has been at the forefront of artificial intelligence advocacy and innovation on the continent.
It developed DUBAWA AI, a tool that detects audio disinformation in three West African languages, and launched a multilingual chatbot that debunks disinformation in English and Arabic.
The organisation has also hosted two editions of its AI and Media Summit, supported the development of AI tools for newsrooms, and partnered with Nigeria’s federal government through the AI Collective—a consortium driving the implementation of the national AI strategy.
In November 2024, CJID collaborated with the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) to integrate AI into higher education, training 41 lecturers from 21 universities.
The AI Campus Network, it said, represents a natural progression of its ongoing work to democratise access to technology across Africa.
[TheCable]
The Rockefeller Foundation has launched a Coal-to-Clean Credit Initiative (CCCI), which aims to support 60 projects by 2030 and help close coal-fired power plants in developing countries.
The Foundation announced that its new analysis shows that, supporting 60 projects by 2030 to close coal-fired capacity could unlock $110 billion in public and private investment, while preventing 9,900 early deaths and 640,000 lost workdays annually and generating 29,000 new permanent jobs.
“As more and more countries and communities choose to transition to clean energy sources, philanthropy has a unique role to play we can take risks where others cannot and catalyze momentum needed, The projects announced this week will do just that, offering real benefits for people living and working in these communities,” said Senior Vice President, Power and Climate at The Rockefeller Foundation, Ashvin Dayal.
As part of the first efforts of the new initiative, the Rockefeller Foundation will collaborate with ACEN Corporation, GenZero, Keppel, and Mitsubishi for a pilot project in the Philippines, the foundation said.
The Rockefeller Foundation, set up by John D. Rockefeller in 1913, said back in 2020 that it had decided to divest from fossil fuels and not make any new investment in the industry.
The Rockefeller Foundation has already launched programmes aimed at lowering the use of coal-fired power in Asia and speeding up the deployment of battery storage for renewable energy.
[Leadership]
Two soldiers attached to the 135 Special Forces Battalion are under investigation for alleged collaboration with ISWAP terrorists and compromising national security in Yobe State.
The soldiers’ telephone conversations were intercepted and analyzed by security operatives, revealing links to the May 9 kidnapping of commuters along the Gashua–Azare highway in Yobe State.
A credible source privy to the ongoing investigation said the duo allegedly leaked the movements of their patrol team along the Buratai–Kamuya–Azare–Gashua axis, paving the way for ISWAP fighters to stage an ambush that briefly disrupted civilian movement before a successful counter-attack was launched to disperse the terrorists.
Also, a security analyst and Counter Insurgency Expert in the Lake Chad, Zagazola Makama, stated that the betrayal was believed to have enabled the terrorists to set up the ambush, which was ultimately foiled by troops of the same battalion during a swift rescue mission that led to the freeing of four abducted civilians and the recovery of weapons and equipment.
According to him, the military authorities have since launched a full-scale internal investigation into the matter. The two soldiers are currently in custody, and their identities were being withheld pending further findings.
He said the revelation has triggered concerns over internal sabotage and the urgent need for tighter intelligence monitoring within the ranks to prevent future breaches and preserve the integrity of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.
Also, a top security official stated, “The system will not spare any uniformed personnel found collaborating with enemies of the state. The fight against insurgency must be backed by absolute loyalty and trust.”
Anambra State government has imposed a one-month sanction on Blossom Fount School, Awka, for allegedly selling the position of head prefect during a student election.
This was disclosed in a statement yesterday by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh.
According to the commissioner, the school reportedly demanded N5,000 from each pupil aspiring to become head prefect in the primary section.
Chuma-Udeh condemned the act, describing it as an attempt to “sell the psyche of the children to the highest bidder from the cradle.”
According to her, such practices are unacceptable under the administration of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo.
She said that an investigation was ongoing to examine the school’s broader management practices, with the possibility of further actions based on the findings. (NAN)
In a groundbreaking move aimed at redefining youth empowerment in Abia State, Governor Alex Otti has awarded automatic employment to 19 outstanding graduates of the TechRise ICT training programme.
The announcement was made during the programme’s graduation ceremony held on Saturday at the JAAC Secretariat in Umuahia.
The beneficiaries, selected purely on merit, emerged as the best performers across multiple training groups and award categories.
Governor Otti explained that 16 were identified as top performers from their training groups, while three additional award recipients were added to bring the total to 19.
“There are about 16 of you in those three groups. I also saw that there are three of you who received awards now. And that takes the number to 19,” the governor noted during his address.
Governor Otti directed the State Head of Service, Mr Benson Ojeikere, to process the beneficiaries’ employment documentation immediately, with a resumption date set for Monday, May 12, 2025.
Beyond the job offers, the state government also distributed laptop computers to 509 other TechRise participants to support self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
The gesture, according to the governor, is part of a broader strategy to equip young people with practical tools and digital competencies rather than short-term handouts.
“Rather than giving you fish, we want to give you all the necessary instruments and the training so that you can catch fish yourself,” he stated.
He also took a swipe at past administrations, emphasising a departure from previous empowerment models like “keke” distribution in favour of tech-driven solutions.
“Gone are the days of keke empowerment. Today, the empowerment is to use what you have. There is nobody that you can write off,” Otti added.
The TechRise programme, implemented by LearnFactory Nigeria, provided over 500 Abia youths with intensive training over a three-month period in key digital fields such as artificial intelligence, digital animation, and other globally relevant ICT skills.
According to officials, a second phase of the programme is already underway, targeting an additional 850 trainees—50 from each of the state’s 17 local government areas.
To ensure the long-term impact of the initiative, the governor has mandated the Chief Strategy Officer to develop a follow-up mechanism that will track the progress of the trainees and help them connect with relevant institutions and job opportunities in the tech industry.
“The skills that you have acquired today can take you to places. You are not limited to this space because of the knowledge that you have acquired,” the governor said, emphasising the global nature of digital skills.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Nwachukwu, hailed the initiative as transformative. “Abia TechRise is not just a training programme; it is a movement,” he declared.
Engr. Chibueze Ukaegbu, CEO of LearnFactory Nigeria, emphasised that the programme was tailored to meet current industry demands. “The training focused on seven globally relevant digital skills aligned with current tech trends,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Samuel Uchendu, expressed gratitude on behalf of the participants, highlighting the economic potential of the skills acquired. “The knowledge we gained, especially in AI and animation, will definitely enhance our economy,” he said.
The Obidient Movement has flayed the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, for taking potshots at the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi.
Akpabio had, during the Senate’s plenary on Thursday, slammed Obi over his comments on the sorry state of affairs in the country, wherein he lamented that the labour of Nigeria’s past heroes appeared to be in vain.
Obi had spoken while paying glowing tribute to a fallen nationalist and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, who died a few months ago.
Akpabio had countered Obi, insisting that the “labour of our heroes past” had not been in vain, accusing Obi of being reckless with these comments.
Akpabio then mocked Obi over the lingering crisis in the Labour Party by telling him to resolve the crisis in his “small party” before he can aspire to join the 2027 presidential race.
But the Obidient Movement, in a statement on Saturday,
accused Akpabio’s party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), of being behind the leadership crisis in the Labour Party.
The statement, signed by the group’s Director of Strategic Communications and Media, Nana Kazaure, accused the APC of sponsoring rejected LP chieftains to destabilise the party.
The group described the Senate on Akpabio’s watch as the worst in Nigeria’s history, saying that he lacked the discretion and self-control required of a good leader.
“It is well known that the President of the 10th Senate is not particularly renowned for the substance or depth of his public utterances. However, we did not anticipate that he would descend to such an embarrassing low.
“For the benefit of Senator Akpabio, the internal issues within the Labour Party were duly taken before the courts by stakeholders of the party under the leadership of Mr Peter Obi.
“The Supreme Court – the highest court in the land – gave a clear and unambiguous ruling, affirming that the individual currently parading himself as the party chairman is doing so illegally.
“Rather than comply with the court’s directive, this usurper has been emboldened by the ruling APC, which continues to provide him with state security cover. These actions have rendered the Senate President’s insinuation that Mr Obi is overwhelmed by intra-party crises not only disingenuous but also hypocritical,” the group said.
Knocking Akpabio further, the statement said, “It is deeply ironic and unbecoming for Senator Akpabio to publicly highlight a situation his party has played a key role in manufacturing and sustaining. If anything, his comments serve only to advertise his complicity in the artificial and externally driven disruptions to the Labour Party.
“There is, in fact, no crisis within the Labour Party. What persists is the shameless interference of the APC – Senator Akpabio’s party – in facilitating the illegal tenure of Julius Abure, despite the clear ruling of the Supreme Court.”
The Obidient Movement described Obi as a man who has a sterling record of achievements in public office, which it said Akpabio can neither controvert nor diminish.
…Offers Automatic jobs To Best graduating Students
Group President of the Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, has announced the donation of a whooping N15billion to the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil(ADUSTECH), Kano State.
Mr. Dangote, who is also the Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) was reappointed the Chancellor of the University.
In his speech at the 5th convocation ceremony, he said the University must be repositioned to lead the race of producing cutting edge research and highly skilled manpower that meets the requirements of market demands, industries and real problem solvers in the Nigerian society.
He said: “It is in this vein that I wish to use this opportunity to announce the launch of the 5-year Development plan which I envision for this institution.
“Over the next 5 years, we will commit the sum of N15 billion to the following projects: the design and construction of additional student hostels; the design and construction of a world class Engineering Lab; the design and construction of a world class multipurpose computer lab -open to all students of the institution which will also be equipped with 24-hour internet access to support academic research and the installation of a mini-solar plant to support access to power on campus.”
He added that: “We also undertake to design and construct a befitting Senate building that will house the administration of this institution. Finally, we will also reserve post-NYSC employment slots for the best performing graduates in Engineering and other related courses that form part of our areas of interest at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemical Plant and Dangote Cement Plants.”
Mr. Dangote said the funding for such an institution places a significant burden on the government, which is why, through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, it was able to offset the University’s electricity bill to ease the strain on their finances.
“Additionally, to support the infrastructural drive of the University, we built two blocks of Male and Female Hostels with 500 bed spaces each.
“We also ensured the availability of electricity in a specialized University like ours for continuous teaching, learning and research, via the connection of the University to a 33KVA line, and provided a 2.5
MVA transformer and six (6) step-down transformers. This, I believe, has gone a long way in solving the energy needs of the University.”
Dangote therefore congratulated the vision of those who dreamt of the institution 25 years ago.
“An institution that began with a student population of 88, today has a population of more than 21,877 students and this combined convocation has a total of about 18,000 graduates. This is indeed a milestone,” he added.
In his address, Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf of Kano State commended Mr. Dangote for contributing financially and morally towards the development of the University, adding that, “all of us will continue to remember you as a visionary and African illustrious industrialist.”
The University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Musa Tukur Yakasa said 18,000 students were being celebrated during the convocation ceremony, having graduated from the university in the last ten years to date.
Business mogul Chief Arthur Eze, founder of Max Air and billionaire Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, Senior Advocate Ahmad Adeniyi Raji, and oil magnate and founder of Amasco Oil Al-Mustapha Ado bagged honorary doctorate degrees.
The VC said the University has recorded significant strides in its academic journey to greater heights, including program accreditation and a mathematical digital model designed by a university product, Mahmoud Mubarak, for measuring deforestation density.
From left: Kano State deputy governor, Aminu Gwarzo; Kano State governor, Kabir Yusuf; former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso; and President/CE Dangote Group, Mr Aliko Dangote, at the Fifth Combined Convocation Ceremony and Investiture of Mr Dangote as Chancellor, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State, May 10, 2025.
UK Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, has called on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to adopt the Conservative Party’s deportation bill to curb immigration.
In a video posted on her X handle on Friday, Badenoch warned that about two million immigrants could be eligible for automatic British citizenship by next year.
She urged the Labour government to take decisive steps by adopting the Tories’ proposed immigration reforms.
“From next year, two million immigrants could automatically claim British citizenship. That’s nearly twice the population of Birmingham,” Badenoch stated.
“We’ve introduced a deportation bill because we are committed to bringing immigration down.”
The bill, unveiled on May 6, outlines strict measures to reduce immigration.
Among its key provisions are the deportation of all foreign criminals, mandatory age checks, tighter visa regulations, limiting the use of the Human Rights Act in immigration cases, making asylum support repayable, and denying permanent residency to those dependent on government benefits.
“Until that’s law, we won’t fix it. Labour should adopt it now. It’s time to get tough. That’s what the conservatives’ deportation bill delivers. Our country is a home, not a hotel. If we don’t defend it, no one else will,” she said.
Her statement sparked mixed reactions on X, with many users criticizing her stance on immigration as hypocrisy given her own background as an immigrant.
@Ghislaintweet remarked, “An immigrant with so much energy to stop immigration cracks me up so bad. You are a beneficiary.”
@Deanjch wrote, “Could have done something about it a long time ago. But your party bottled it…”
Another user, @sweettalkin53, added, “14 years of Tory rule changed this country forever. Kemi you flooded our borders and will never be forgiven.”
@JamesPGoddard90 commented, “Maybe if your party hadn’t flooded the UK with millions of undesirables we wouldn’t be in this position. Tories are never to be trusted, ever!”
The Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, chaired a strategic meeting of the North-West Governors’ Forum in Kaduna State on Friday, May 9, 2025.
According to him, the purpose of the meeting was to enhance regional cooperation.
Naija News reports that the meeting has in attendance the Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, and the Forum’s Director-General Hajiya Maryam Musa Yahaya.
This information was provided in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim Mohammed, which was shared with journalists late Friday in Katsina.
In his opening remarks, Governor Radda, who is the Chairman of the Forum, highlighted the gathering’s non-partisan and developmental objectives.
“He noted that since the forum’s inception shortly after their inauguration into office, the governors have committed to working together, particularly in the areas of economic development, agriculture, and tackling insecurity.
“This forum has come a long way. We’ve been championing joint efforts across our states and are already seeing impact through partnerships with development agencies and implementation of agreed initiatives,” Radda said.
“He reiterated the importance of unity and cooperation among member states, adding that the forum continues to serve as a platform for shared prosperity across the North West, regardless of political affiliations.
“This is not a partisan forum. It’s a forum of progress—one that prioritises the economic wellbeing and safety of our people,” he added.
“Governor Radda welcomed his colleagues warmly and appreciated the press and stakeholders present. He then called for a closed-door session to allow the governors to deliberate on key issues affecting the region,” the Katsina State Governor added.
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A prominent Yoruba socio-political organisation, the Afenifere, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, over serious corruption allegations reportedly coordinated by his aide, Torhile Uchi.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently arrested and interrogated Uchi, a Senior Special Assistant to the President, attached to the office of the SGF.
However, Afenifere claims the case has not progressed, attributing this lack of action to the alleged interference and influence of Senator Akume, who is suspected of attempting to cover up his involvement in the case.
In a strongly worded statement signed by the factional publicity secretary of Afenifere, Bayo Adenuga, the group has called on President Tinubu to demonstrate his commitment to fighting corruption by suspending Akume to allow for an independent and unbiased investigation into the corruption case.
“It is unacceptable that verifiable cases of corruption, such as the one supervised by the SGF and his aide, will be swept under the carpet during the tenure of an administration that has sworn to fight corruption to a standstill,” the statement read.
The group further demanded the suspension of Akume, asserting that it would allow for a full, free, and comprehensive investigation into the corruption allegations, which include the uncovering of an ₦80 billion money laundering scheme allegedly facilitated by Akume and his aide.
Afenifere has also issued a seven-day ultimatum to the EFCC to update the public on the progress of the investigation. Failure to do so, the group warns, will lead to nationwide protests from the Yoruba nation and all anti-corruption advocates.
“An ₦80 billion crime of money laundering uncovered by the EFCC using taxpayers’ money cannot be allowed to slip away like that. We demand accountability,” the statement continued.
Afenifere reminded President Tinubu that, compared to the case involving the former SGF Babachir Lawal, whose scandal was relatively minor, Akume’s involvement in this large-scale corruption case required swift and decisive action.
The group warned that this case is a litmus test for the EFCC, stressing that the agency must not be seen as a “toothless bulldog that barks without consequences.” It also emphasised that Nigerians are watching closely to see how the case unfolds.
Afenifere concluded by reaffirming its support for President Tinubu’s administration and its anti-corruption agenda. However, the group emphasised that the President must not appear to condone corruption among his aides and appointees, as this could tarnish the credibility of the administration’s fight against corruption.
“Let us remind you, Mr. President, that as a group that supports your administration’s anti-corruption drive, we owe you a duty to always cooperate with you to prosecute corrupt elements, no matter how highly placed they might be,” the statement concluded.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says a blind candidate hired another visually impaired person to sit the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on his behalf.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB registrar, provided updates on the conduct and outcome of the 2025 UTME.
Oloyede said the incident occurred during the examination of blind candidates under the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), which facilitates inclusive testing for candidates with disabilities.
He said a total of 501 visually impaired candidates were successfully examined at 11 centres nationwide.
“Sadly, one of them was also involved in impersonation by recruiting an undergraduate student who is also blind to come and write for another blind candidate,” he said.
The registrar expressed disappointment over the development, noting that it shows desperation for access to tertiary education.
He said JAMB refunds the registration fees of blind and other challenged candidates and covers transportation, accommodation, and feeding during the examination period.
He reiterated the board’s commitment to supporting candidates with special needs.
“The board remains committed to providing the necessary support for persons with disabilities aspiring to pursue tertiary education,” Oloyede said.
“The Prof. Peter Okebukola-led JEOG continues to demonstrate exceptional dedication in ensuring that these candidates are able to sit examinations, regardless of their challenges.”
The results of the 2025 UTME were released on Friday, with over 1.9 million candidates receiving their scores.
However, the results of 39,834 candidates have been withheld.
Ahead of the release, JAMB said over 40 individuals had been apprehended for their involvement in examination malpractice.
A Nigerian televangelist recently acquitted of multiple rape charges has been rearrested on immigration offences, South African police said on Saturday.
Read Also: How my mother’s lover raped me — 12 year old victim narrates ordeal
Timothy Omotoso was released last month, nine years after he was jailed to be tried on charges of raping and sexually assaulting several young women from his church.
His acquittal drew anger across South Africa after the judge found that, while the pastor’s explanations appeared improbable, state prosecutors had mishandled the case against him.
Immigration authorities and police arrested Omotoso in the town of East London on Saturday morning, “just after church”, police commissioner General Fannie Masemola told journalists.
“He will be facing charges related to violations to the Immigration Act and he will appear in court on Monday,” he said.
The 66-year-old pastor at the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church based in South Africa was arrested in 2017 on 32 charges, including rape, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
Several young women, some of whom were still in school at the time, testified that they were handpicked by Omotoso, who would pray for forgiveness after each encounter with them.
In April, Eastern Cape High Court judge Irma Schoeman criticised the prosecution’s handling of the case, saying the state had not proved beyond reasonable doubt its case against Omotoso and two assistants, who also faced charges.
South Africa has one of the highest rates of rape and gender-based violence in the world.
Over 42,500 rapes were reported in the 2023-24 financial year, according to police statistics, amounting to more than 116 rapes per day.
Residents and businesses in Jabi District, parts of Life Camp, Kado District, Aire Gas, Total Marble, Royal Ceramic, Artoland Rice, Faku Agro, Zohgfu along Kaduna Road, and neighbouring areas are currently experiencing an ongoing power outage due to a technical fault affecting the local feeders.
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) confirmed the disruption in a statement on Saturday.
AEDC claims that the feeders that provide power to these areas are being impacted by the technical fault.
“We regret to inform you that the ongoing power outage is due to a technical fault affecting the feeders serving these locations,” AEDC said.
The company, however, assured customers that its technical team is working tirelessly to restore power as quickly as possible.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to serve you better.”
[Guardian]