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PDP crisis: Wike allies sack BoT chair, shun Ikimi panel

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Members of the Peoples Democratic Party Abia State chapter believed to be loyalists of FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday suspended the party’s BoT Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, for endorsing Ude-Okoye as national secretary instead of Samuel Anyanwu, an ally of the minister.

But chairman of the Abia PDP, Abraham Amah, stated on Tuesday that the BoT chairman was suspended for allegedly endorsing Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, who is of the Labour Party, for a second term, just five months into his administration in October 2023.

Multiple sources within the opposition party’s National Working Committee, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment on the matter, however, insisted that one of the reasons Wabara was suspended was because the BoT endorsed Ude-Okoye as the party’s secretary.

Amah, speaking to the State Executive Committee in Umuahia on Tuesday, Amah cited a memo from the party’s state treasurer, Chizurum  Kalu, wherein he called for Wabara’s suspension over unfounded statements.

This comes as former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tom Ikimi, leads the party’s National Disciplinary Committee in questioning members on Wednesday (today) as part of efforts in resolving the crisis that had bedeviled the leading opposition party in the country.

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While announcing the suspension of Wabara, Amah requested the Abia State Executive Committee to invoke the relevant sections of the party’s constitution, particularly Section 57, 58 and 59 on the BoT chair, emphasising the need to ensure discipline among party members across board, irrespective of status.

He said, “True leadership and progress require a dedicated and loyal team and not a crowd. The PDP needs individuals who understand the sacrifices necessary to reposition the party for electoral success and for the transformation of Abia State.

“According to the memo tendered by the state treasurer, the BOT chairman was accused of endorsing Governor Alex Otti for a second tenure, an action the memo outlined was inimical to the party.

“In moving a motion that was seconded by the state Organising Secretary, Obinna Okey, the state treasurer requested that the BOT chairman be debarred from holding any party office and as well suspended as the BOT chairman.”

The Abia PDP chairman called for the rebuilding of a strong and viable team that would actively contribute to the advancement of the party and the development of the state.

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“If you are in this party, be ready to stand for it, work for it and defend it. We do not need passengers, we need partners in progress.

“Our attention was drawn to a statement credited to  Senator Adolphus Wabara sometime in October (2024) and circulated on social media platforms and national dailies, wherein the said Senator threw caution to the wind and in a brazen display of sabotage to the party, unilaterally endorsed the Labour Party Governor of Abia State, Gov Alex Chioma Otti, for a second term in office, barely five months after the inauguration and thereby, brought the party to disrepute, hatred and contempt, which he said is in violation to the provisions of Chapter 10, Article 58(c) and (f) of the Constitution of Party (2017 as amended) and therefore, liable to punishment under Article 59(1) of the party’s Constitution.

“Article 58(1) and Article 59(1) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended) empowers the State Executive Committee (SEC) to discipline any member of the party, who commits any offence(s) provided by the party’s Constitution, irrespective of the member’s status. The party, having considered the implications of Senator Adolphus Wabara’s acts of sabotage against the party, invoked the provisions of Articles 57(1),(2),(3), 58(1)(b) & (f) and 59(1) of the party’s Constitution (2017 as amended), against Senator Adolphus Wabara and thereby, placed him on one month suspension from party activities and also in compliance with the provisions of Articles 59(1) (e) & (f) of the party’s Constitution (2017 as amended), the party debarred the former Senator from holding any party office and therefore, equally removed from office as BOT Chairman of PDP.”

Meanwhile, the party constituted a seven-man disciplinary committee to investigate Wabara’s alleged statement, while urging members to reaffirm their commitment to the mission of the party.

PDP National Deputy Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, an ally of Anyanwu, backed the suspension of the BoT chair, stating that it was widely known that Wabara expressed support for Otti’s re-election.

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“Wabara engaged in anti-party activities, which is known. He expressed support for Otti, a member of the Labour Party, for the 2027 elections. That is anti-party, and in my opinion, people like him should face the Ikimi-led panel for their actions.”

Contrary to Osadolor and others’ claim, a credible party source questioned why Wabara had not been sanctioned since 2023 if it was due to his alleged support for Otti’s re-election.

“They alleged that Wabara engaged in anti-party activities in 2023, claiming he supported Otti’s 2027 governorship bid. However, there’s more to the story – if that was the case, why wait until now?

“I believe the real reason for suspending Wabara is that he stands for justice, and his group, the BoT, declared Ude-Okoye as the PDP’s legitimate secretary. I suspect that Wike’s loyalists supporting Anyanwu are behind this.”

Additionally, the PDP NWC rejected the suspension of Wabara.

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In a statement on Tuesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said, “The NWC categorically dismisses the purported suspension as null and void and of no effect whatsoever not being consistent with the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) and laid down rules of our great Party.

“For emphasis, no State Working Committee has the power to suspend or take any disciplinary action against a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party without due recourse to the NWC as clearly provided under Section 57 (7) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017)

“Section 57 (7) is unambiguous in providing that; “Notwithstanding any other provision relating to discipline, no Executive Committee at any level, except the National Executive Committee, shall entertain any question of discipline as may relate or concern a member of the National Executive Committee, Deputy Governors or members of the National Assembly…”

He clarified that the clear meaning of Section 57 (7) is that the Abia State chapter has no authority to take any disciplinary action against the BoT Chairman, as he is a member of the Party’s National Executive Committee.

The statement added, “The PDP therefore condemns the purported suspension of Senator Wabara as reckless, unconstitutional and cautions those behind this act in defiance of the PDP Constitution to retrace their steps as the NWC will not hesitate to take appropriate disciplinary actions to preserve the stability of our Party and the sanctity of its Constitution.

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“The NWC calls on all leaders, critical stakeholders, members and supporters of our party in Abia State, the South East Zone and indeed across the country to disregard the purported suspension.”

Meanwhile, former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, and the embattled Senator Anyanwu, who’s been engulfed in a bitter battle for the position of the party secretary with Ude-Okoye, disclosed they would not appear before the panel, further sparking conversations about the future of the party.

Anyanwu confirmed receiving the disciplinary committee’s invitation letter on Monday, but said he won’t be available for questioning.

He said, “Yes, my office called me yesterday (Monday) to inform me that an invitation letter had arrived from the NDC. So, I have received the invitation letter.

“But I can’t attend due to medical reasons, and I have immediately communicated my situation to them. I have requested that mine be rescheduled for another date.”

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Ortom’s Special Adviser on Media, Nathaniel Ikyur, confirmed that the former governor had not received an official invitation letter, adding that Ortom would not attend the panel.

“The former governor has not received an invitation from the panel; he was only notified through social media. Therefore, he will write the committee tomorrow (today), requesting a formal invitation for another date,” Ikyur said.

The Ikimi-led panel issued a statement on Thursday summoning Ortom, Anyanwu and 10 others, stating that all those invited must appear before the committee at the Legacy House in Maitama, Abuja, today.

The activities of the panel have remained confidential, with the identities of the other 10 invited party members undisclosed.

Attempts to obtain their names from Ikimi and committee secretary, Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, were unsuccessful. Both Ikimi and Jegede denied any knowledge of the identities and offered no further information despite efforts to uncover the details.

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Since the 2023 presidential election, the PDP has battled internal conflicts with members accusing themselves of sabotaging the party’s interests.

In response, the party’s National Working Committee established a disciplinary committee on August 21, 2024 to allow members to file complaints, hear both sides, and make recommendations to the National Executive Committee.

However, nearly five months after the committee’s creation, the crisis has worsened, with both former National Youth Leader Ude-Okoye and Anyanwu engaging each other in a heated contest for the secretary position.

Despite Ude-Okoye being backed by the BoT led by Wabara and the Governors Forum, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, the conflict remains unresolved.

However, findings by The PUNCH show that despite the ongoing crisis, Anyanwu has continually visited the PDP National Headquarters at Wuse Zone 5, Abuja to handle party matters for weeks, though he was absent from the office on Monday and Tuesday.

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Meanwhile, the party’s former National Vice Chairman for the South-West, Eddy Olafeso and National Deputy Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, called on Ikimi’s panel to ensure justice and fairness.

Olafeso expressed confidence in the committee to help reposition the PDP.

He said, “They must make all understand the need respect the culture of our party, and we should recognise the fact that no one is greater than the party, and none of us is perfect.

“So, if there’s a wrong, those invited should admit it, and review their past actions against the party. You can be forgiven. It’s a two-way process. We’re looking out for our own, bringing our people back together, and that’s what’s important to us.”

Osadolor, in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, stated, “Well, for me, the fact that a man like Ikimi has agreed to chair this committee is a source of utmost joy and a huge relief to the majority of party members. Being that Ikimi is known to be a thoroughbred professional, a man who does not hesitate to speak the truth to anyone, regardless of their position, is highly commendable.”

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LP reacts

Meanwhile, the Abia State Labour Party has slammed the PDP for the suspension of Wabara, describing the officials involved as “myopic politicians.”

The state chairman of LP, Emmanuel Otti, said, “The suspension was by myopic politicians who don’t think good for the state. Politics is all about people who you put there.  Wabara did not make any blunder but appreciated the good works of the state governor, Alex Otti. Wabara is a God-fearing human being and a good politician.”

In a swift reaction, a group, National Frontier for Change and Progress, rose to the defence of Wabara.

In a press conference in Umuahia, the coordinator of the group, Ikpegbu Emeka, described the PDP as a “shadow of itself because the party did not heed Wabara’s advice that the governorship position should go to Abia North” during the last governorship election in the state.

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The group also insisted that only the National Working Committee of the party had the constitutional right to suspend Wabara.

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“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi

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Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.

Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.

Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.

From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.

Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.

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Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.

He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.

Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.

Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.

Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.

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Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.

However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.

Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.

For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.

And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:

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“He promised, and he delivered.”

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Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma Lays His Beloved Sister to Rest

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Today, Friday 8 May 2026, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri) laid his beloved sister, Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke to rest in a solemn but dignified ceremony.

A large number of family and friends gathered in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area for her burial.

It was a solemn yet beautiful celebration of a life well lived, one marked by grace, resilience, and strong family values. The Funeral Mass was officiated by His Emience, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.

In a heartfelt family tribute, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma shared that her sister “it is indeed well with your soul and has gone to rest with the Lord,” expressing profound grief over the irreplaceable loss of a beloved sibling who played a significant role in their family. He prayed for God to grant her His mercy and reward her with Beatic Vision. He opined that they as a family will continue from where she stopped. Our Hope in God and Believe in the resurrection of the dead and communion of the saints will spur them on as they continue to place all their hopes in God who made Heaven and Earth.

The Funeral and Burial Ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including Her Excellency Senator Dr Iyom Uche Ekwunife, APC State Chairman, Most Distinguished Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate 2025 Governorship Election, His Excellency, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Ozonkpu Ike Enuguwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, Dr Oby Orah, Executive Director FAAN, Prof Charles Esimone, Former Vice Chancellor Unizik, Chief Hon Raph Okeke, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chizo Obidigwe, Hon JC Okeke (Deputy Chairman ,APC Anambra State, chief Anthony Obiazie (Ichie Ide), Onwa Lento Aluminium.

Others are The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University and Members of the Governing Council, the Rector Anambra State Polytechnic,Dr Njideka Rita Chiekezie, Hon Obi Henry APC State secretary, Hon Ify Nwachukwu (Ada Onowu), Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, and several other respected leaders from the political, traditional, and religious communities.

Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke died after Major Brain Tumour Surgery in Germany, aged 44 years. May the soul of Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the entire Chukwuma of Umueri and Okeke family of Ogboji, the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.

*Videos and Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*

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2027: Anambra ADC Intact Despite Obi, Kwankwaso Departure – Guber Candidate

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By Okey Maduforo Awka

Gubernatorial candidate Mr John Nwosu and running mate of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Anambra state Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu have stated that despite the deoature of Mr Peter Obi, and Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,the party is still intact and would run it’s full course in the 2027 general election.

The duo however lamented that the deoature of Obi is indeed painful but was quick to add that the party must forge ahead .

He said as leaders, Obi and Kwankwaso and other key chieftains of the ADC who suddenly left to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would have waited to resolve the problems the ADC is facing when it mattered most rather than taking a swift to another fold.

Chief Nwobu bared his mind and feelings of other stakeholders of the ADC while briefing newsmen shortly after the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting held on Friday in Awka the state capital.

He noted with nostalgia that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi could have shown restraint and commitment in the ADC even in face of the party’s plethora of litigations pending before different courts than leaving it unceremoniously with others.

He vowed that despite the development, leaders and members of the State chapter of the ADC are resolute to take the full circle of the electoral battle ahead of next year’s general elections and would get to it to successfully.

Accorisng to him, the National leadership of the party was not given the opportunity to settle down even less than 24 hours before the supreme Court judgment on Thursday last week when news about the detection of those who left the party rented the air waves up till Friday and Saturday same week and finally on Sunday when the news was finally blown to the entire world.

Nwobu disclosed that the opposition ADC in the state at the moment parades about nine House of Representatives and six State House of Assembly aspirants who have bought nomination forms to contest the 2027 elections while more have indicated interest to join the epical race.

The ADC stalwart further maintained that all those who indicated interest to contest the various positions are greatly prepared to run the race with high morals.

“We feel pains that these people left the party (ADC); definitely it’s going to affect the gains of the party. There’s no point saying every other thing. That having been said I am telling you that those who remain in the party are resolute and prepared to run the course.

He said the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting reaffirm loyalty and support to the National leadership under David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary.

Nwobu who was flanked by Hon. Christian Okeke, Ven. Chris Orajekwe and Arch. Afam Moma, Samuel Ikefuna, and Reginald Akunekwe and Ben Chuks Nwosu said “the state leaders reaffirm loyalty and support of the ADC Anambra state to the National leadership headed by Senator David Mark and His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola.”

“The meeting resolved to commend the founding chairman of the ADC Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu for the exemplary show of representing the ADC platform as an umbrella body for the coalition and his selfless role In navigating the coalition to it’s fruition.”

“And we wish to affirm that the ADC’s best is from Anambra state and Anambra state will not be found wanting in the efforts of the party to achieve success during the 2027 general elections,” he said.

“For our brothers who has moved on tp other platform, we wish them well. I look forward to a day we will all join hands together to salvage this country,” Nwobu stated.

He explained further that no new leadership has been Inaugurated in Anambra,adding that that it’s unnecessary for somebody to say he or she has resigned as the party is still contending on issues of offices, conduct of Congresses at the Federal High court.

Chief Nwobu stated that the Inauguration of officials elected at Congresses across the states would be made on the 11th of this month.

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Enugu, SSDO advance domestic resource mobilisation for climate responsive budgeting

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By Chinedu Sabastine

The Enugu State Government, in partnership with the South Sahara Social Development Organisation (SSDO), has intensified efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation (DRM) as part of broader strategies to boost climate finance and promote responsive budgeting.

The initiative aligns with the administration’s climate policy framework, which emphasises sustainable development, a green economic transition, and improved fiscal planning.

This was disclosed during a two-day stakeholders’ dialogue on domestic resource mobilisation for climate-responsive budgeting held at Sylvia Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu and funded by ActionAid Nigeria.

 

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Nnamdi Arum, said the state has integrated climate considerations across its projects and programmes.

 

According to him, while Enugu continues to benefit from international funding support, deliberate steps are being taken to strengthen internally generated resources for climate initiatives.

“Climate change has been prioritised across ministries in Enugu State. Most projects are now designed with green considerations in mind,” Arum said.

He commended Governor Peter Mbah for appointing Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke as Special Adviser on Climate Change, noting that his leadership has helped translate climate policies into actionable programmes.

Arum added that the government is actively engaging diverse groups, including youths and persons with disabilities, to ensure inclusive climate policy development.

On funding gaps, he acknowledged that despite progress, external support remains crucial particularly in the agricultural sector to enhance food security and affordability.

In his remarks, Research Policy Officer with SSDO, Okechukwu Ajah, said the dialogue aimed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.

He noted that although Enugu has domesticated its climate policy and action plan, challenges such as weak inter-ministerial coordination and the absence of clear climate budget tagging persist.

“Many agencies still operate in silos, and there is no distinct climate imprint in budgeting across ministries. This affects ownership and effective implementation of climate policies,” Ajah said.

He expressed optimism that the engagement would yield practical, implementable recommendations, stressing the need to move from theory to action.

Ajah also highlighted the importance of youth inclusion in climate discussions, describing young people as critical stakeholders in shaping sustainable futures.

One of the participants, Chidera Ekoh, described the dialogue as insightful, noting that it provided practical knowledge on addressing climate challenges.

“Climate change is already impacting our economy. This programme has equipped us with the knowledge to prioritise challenges and mobilise resources effectively,” Ekoh said

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Enugu Govt Disowns Group Accused of Defrauding Traditional Medicine Practitioners

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The Enugu State Government has disowned a group allegedly defrauding traditional medicine practitioners under the guise of acting on its behalf.
In a disclaimer issued on April 28, 2026, the government warned against the activities of individuals operating under the name Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Enugu State (AMTIPES), describing the body as illegal and unrecognized.
According to the statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Hon. Onyekwere Nwobodo, the group has been harassing practitioners and collecting unauthorized levies despite having no accreditation from the state.
The government clarified that the registration and certification of traditional medicine practitioners in Enugu State fall strictly under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in line with existing laws. It stressed that no other body has the authority to act on its behalf in this regard.
Authorities disclosed that reports of AMTIPES’ activities have been forwarded to law enforcement agencies. Some individuals linked to the group have already been apprehended and are currently facing prosecution in court.
The government urged members of the public, particularly traditional medicine practitioners, to remain vigilant and avoid any dealings with the impostors.
It further emphasized that compliance with only officially recognized channels would protect practitioners from exploitation, reiterating the warning that “to be forewarned is to be forearmed.”

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