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  • Council poll: Mutfwang, Sule, others seek strengthening of SIEC

    Council poll: Mutfwang, Sule, others seek strengthening of SIEC

    • Governors reject calls for scrapping of state electoral bodies

    Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and his Nasarawa State counterpart, Abdullahi Sule, have rejected the calls for the scrapping of the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).

    Mutfwang spoke at the opening of the ongoing 13th national delegates’ conference of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions (FOSIECOM) yesterday in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

    The governor maintained that the challenges associated with local government elections in Nigeria are largely hinged on the leadership at all levels.

    “I would like to posit that the whole challenge of national development and institutions boil down to leadership.

    “When the leadership decides that things will be done well, they will be done well.

    “Today, we are talking about the steady developments in the Middle East because they have leaders that have conscience; leaders that are passionate about their people, leaders that are determined to change the course of history.

    “And I think the conversation for us should not start with SIECs. Perhaps the conversation should even begin with the process of leadership recruitment in our country.

    READ ALSO: Seyi Tinubu and sirens of hypocrisy

    “So, any suggestion that SIECs should be scrapped and a new set of agents be imported from heaven to man them is a retrogressive idea which must be rejected,” Mutfwang said.

    Also, Governor Sule, who also rejected the call for the scrapping of SIECs, called for attitudinal change among Nigerians.

    The governor said the major problem confronting SIECs is not just funding but high level of interference by the political class.

    “I have been a governor for six years. I know that interference is one of the major challenges confronting SIECs.

    “I came with this American mentality of conducting free and fair elections at the local government level, but it was rejected by the stakeholders and party faithful.

    “This is the story in almost every state.

    “So, with these challenges, the SIECs will not do any better. Until we are able to handle these issues, we are only deceiving ourselves.

    “The abolition of SIECs is not a solution. We are not going to actually support that because the same problem they are facing today will not change even if the power to conduct local government election is transferred to a different body,” he said.

  • Tinubu more popular in Kaduna now than under El-Rufai – Sule

    Tinubu more popular in Kaduna now than under El-Rufai – Sule

    Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has said that President Bola Tinubu currently enjoys more support in Kaduna State than he did in 2023 when former Governor Nasiru El-Rufai held sway.

    Speaking during a live interview on TVC News on Tuesday evening, Governor Sule dismissed recent comments by El-Rufai, suggesting that President Tinubu’s popularity in the North is on the decline, insisting that the political reality on the ground tells a different story.

    “President Tinubu has more support in the same Kaduna State where El-Rufai comes from today than he used to have when El-Rufai was the governor. After all, President Tinubu got only 300,000 and something votes when El-Rufai was the governor—he lost Kaduna at that time”, Sule said.

    Governor Sule pointed out that under the current Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, public sentiment toward the President has improved significantly, particularly in areas such as Southern Kaduna.

    “If you look at Southern Kaduna, and even from my local government in Nasarawa, which borders some parts of Kaduna, I know what the people say about President Tinubu today. The support is stronger under Governor Uba Sani than it was under Nasiru El-Rufai,” he added.

    He explained that his own experience travelling through Kaduna by road gave him a direct sense of the mood on the ground, saying, “That’s why I sometimes go by road—to stop, interact, and understand what people are saying.”

    The Nasarawa governor, a senior member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), also addressed the issue of public misinformation, warning against taking political rhetoric at face value.

    “Politicians can say whatever they want to say. But the reality is that President Tinubu today has more support in Kaduna than in 2023, when he lost the election there by over 300,000 votes to the PDP,” he emphasised.

    Turning to security, Governor Sule made a strong case for the establishment of state police, arguing that community policing structures currently in place across various states are inadequate to deal with the escalating threat of armed banditry and criminal violence.

    “We have Amotekun, Katsina Marshals, Sokoto Marshals, Zamfara Marshals, and other vigilantes. But they lack proper training and the right equipment You cannot expect results when your security personnel carry dane guns and face criminals armed with AK-47s and automatic machine guns”, he said.

    According to Sule, state police would operate under a regulated structure with proper oversight and training, provided by national security institutions such as the Nigerian Police Force and the military.

    “We’re not saying state police should be totally independent. They’ll be trained by the same national institutions. But the key is that they will be recruited from their own communities, and they understand the terrain better,” he explained.

    The governor said this model would strengthen accountability and responsiveness, as state police officers would be locally based and trusted by the people they serve.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s reform making Nigeria accessible for foreign investors – British envoy

    “If I employ someone in Keffi, he’s not going to work in Lafia or Akwanga. He’ll work in Keffi, where he understands the area, the people, and the issues. That’s what we need for effective security”, he said.

    Responding to concerns about the timeline for impact, Governor Sule was optimistic that, if approved, state police would begin to reduce violent crimes such as kidnapping within months.

    “These criminals are also afraid for their lives. If they know the person facing them is well-trained and armed, they’ll think twice. So yes, state police will reduce kidnappings and insecurity significantly,” he said.

    He emphasised that while no country is entirely crime-free, the presence of a capable and community-rooted police force would serve as a strong deterrent to criminals.

    “If a kidnapper shoots into the air in a market and no one is there to stop him, that’s a problem. But if there are community police present and ready to respond, it’s a different story. That’s what we need,” Sule concluded.

  • 2027: I remain loyal to President Tinubu, committed to APC – Sule

    2027: I remain loyal to President Tinubu, committed to APC – Sule

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has clarified that the state under his leadership remains loyal and committed to the second term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Governor Sule, who stated this in a statement made available to our correspondent on Monday in Lafia, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Addra, responded to the chairman of the North Central APC Forum, Alhaji Saleh Zazagga, who described Sule’s actions as a double game regarding Tinubu’s second term bid in 2027.

    The statement noted that while the governor’s office respects the right to political discourse and rarely responds to every noise, it has become necessary to react to Mr. Zazagga’s diatribe because it is riddled with inaccuracies, deliberate misrepresentations, and a glaring disconnect from the facts.

    “Governor Sule has consistently demonstrated his commitment to President Tinubu’s administration since its inception. His recent remarks at the event organised by the ALGON in Nasarawa State and friends of the new SSG, Labaran Shuaibu Magaji (PhD), were neither a contradiction of the efforts of those encouraging all the former CPC members to remain in APC nor an endorsement of division.

    “Rather, the governor’s reference to former president Muhammadu Buhari as the undisputed and symbolic leader of the defunct CPC bloc was a historical fact, not a political slight. So, His Excellency, Governor Sule, is neither a favour seeker nor want any recognition from anyone.

    “If the writer now claims that former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, is not the undisputed leader of the CPC block in APC, he then owes the public and loyal party members a duty to clarify or justify the same rather than beating around the bush.

    “It is public knowledge that Buhari, as the founder of the CPC, remains a respected figure whose influence transcends factions.

    “Governor Sule’s call for unity, including his appeal to former AGF and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami to remain in the APC, was a strategic push to consolidate all legacy blocs under the APC umbrella. This aligns perfectly with President Tinubu’s vision of a broad-based, inclusive party. To insinuate that Governor Sule is “against” Tinubu because he acknowledged Buhari’s historical role is not only illogical but a deliberate distortion of context.

    “The group’s attempt to pitch Governor Sule against Senator Al-makura, his predecessor and political ally, is disingenuous. Both leaders have worked collaboratively to redefine governance under the umbrella of the APC in Nasarawa State and beyond.

    Governor Sule’s statement that “only President Buhari can truly decide for the CPC” was a pragmatic recognition of the former president’s unique position as the bloc’s founder. To claim otherwise is to ignore the nuance of intra-party dynamics. This is a fact known by those who understand how CPC was formed.

    “The governor’s focus remains on ensuring that all factions, including those loyal to President Buhari, remain firmly within the APC fold, a goal that directly benefits the APC.

    Read Also: Sule splashes N2 million on Nasarawa United  after  Lobi win

    The Forum’s allegation that Governor Sule “opposed” President Tinubu’s tax reforms is a gross misrepresentation and lacking knowledge of happenings in the country.

     “Governor Sule only defended the position of the Northern Governors and Traditional Rulers, and thank God that both Mr. President and the National Assembly accepted the position of the Northern Governors. Those who are competent to understand what really happened are full of praise for the Governor and his colleagues.

    “To attract investment to Nasarawa State, His Excellency has always supported policies that stimulate economic growth, which is in line with President Tinubu’s long-term vision.

    “We urge Alhaji Saleh Zazagga and his group to retract their divisive claims and partner with patriotic stakeholders in advancing the APC’s collective interests.

    “The era of politics of deceit and illiteracy is long gone, as those in authority understand the game better. Unity and constructive engagement, not divisive rhetoric, will secure victory for the APC in 2027, and no one understands it better than our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.” The statement concluded 

  • Only God Almighty will chose my successor – Sule

    Only God Almighty will chose my successor – Sule

    Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule has said that it is only God Almighty that will select his successor.

    The decision, he said, is beyond him.

    He urged residents to look forward to that moment when God will select who he pleases out of the over 20 people aspiring to succeed him in 2027.

    The Governor stated this Friday at the grand reception organised by the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Nasarawa chapter under the leadership of Hon. Safiyanu Isa Andaha in honour of Barrister Labaran Shuaibu Magaji PhD. over his recent appointment as the Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State.

    He said that power comes from God and only him has the discretion to give it to whoever he pleases and whenever he wants.

    ” This position of Governor, only one person will get it and all others must rally round the one chosen by God. From my count, I have seen about 20 people already in the race for Governor of Nasarawa State so far. That is what I have seen. So there is going to be a lot of alliances, a lot of forgiveness and a lot of working together if we really want to get to where we want …

    ” Because, at the end of the day, one person will get it and let me make it categorically clear; God Almighty alone gives this position, the Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, is not Engr Sule that gives the position to him, it is God Almighty that gave it to him. And so, it is God Almighty that is going to select our next governor, not Engr Abdullahi Sule for that reason, we must look forward to that time,” Sule asserted.

    Sule thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for continued support to Nasarawa State. 

  • Sule pays NECO fees for over 24,000 students in Nasarawa

    Sule pays NECO fees for over 24,000 students in Nasarawa

    Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has approved the payment of the 2025 National Examination Council (NECO) registration fee for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) for over 24,000 students in the state.

    This initiative builds upon the state’s impressive academic performance in the 2024 national examinations.

    The Commissioner for Education, Dr. John D.W. Mamman, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Malam Mohammed Bala Sani, made this announcement during a meeting with the Nasarawa State Coordinator of NECO and his team.

    Malam Sani lauded Governor Abdullahi Sule for his consistent prioritisation of education over the past six years.

    He emphasised that the government’s unwavering support has significantly alleviated the financial burden on parents and guardians while simultaneously enhancing the state’s standing in national examinations.

    Highlighting the positive outcomes of this commitment, Dr. Mamman noted that the 2024 NECO SSCE internal results placed Nasarawa State 9th nationally and 2nd in the North-Central geopolitical zone, second only to Benue State.

    In terms of female academic performance, the state also secured an impressive 7th position nationwide and maintained its 2nd position in the North-Central region.

    Furthermore, Nasarawa State recorded one of the lowest instances of examination malpractice nationwide, ranking 35th out of 36 states, just ahead of Zamfara State.

    This remarkable achievement underscores the growing academic discipline within the state’s educational system.

    The Commissioner expressed his appreciation for NECO’s valuable contributions to the development of education in the state and assured the visiting coordinator of the government’s dedication to further improving educational standards.

    He also commended NECO for its innovative efforts aimed at strengthening the integrity of examination processes.

    Earlier, the NECO state coordinator, Malam Suleiman Muazzam, briefed the Ministry on NECO’s plans to transition from paper-based to computer-based testing (CBT) for the SSCE.

    He announced that the 2025 examinations would introduce CBT as an optional mode, with full implementation anticipated by 2027.

    Malam Muazzam commended the Nasarawa State Government for its sustained investment in the education sector, acknowledging the positive impact reflected in the 2024 examination results.

    He expressed profound gratitude for the government’s steadfast commitment to covering the registration fees for all students in public secondary schools, emphasising that this gesture has not only increased enrollment but also fostered improved academic outcomes, positioning Nasarawa State as a leading example of education-focused governance in Nigeria.

    In a parallel development aimed at bolstering the educational infrastructure, the Nasarawa state government, through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), has earmarked a substantial sum of ₦12 billion for the improvement of school infrastructure across 690 public secondary schools in the state.

    Read Also: Sule: Tinubu’s reforms have empowered governors

    This significant intervention will encompass the provision of gender-sensitive toilets, the renovation of dilapidated existing structures, the provision of boreholes, and the construction of perimeter fencing to prevent encroachment.

    Furthermore, the government will construct 30 new schools, comprising 15 junior and 15 senior secondary schools.

    The junior secondary schools will be strategically located within existing primary school premises, while the senior secondary schools will be situated within existing junior secondary school compounds to ensure a seamless transition for students.

    These dual initiatives – the payment of NECO fees and the massive investment in infrastructure – underscore the Nasarawa State Government’s unwavering commitment to providing quality education and creating a conducive learning environment for all students in the state

  • Tinubu’s policies provide more opportunities for governors, says Sule

    Tinubu’s policies provide more opportunities for governors, says Sule

    Nasarawa state governor, Abdullahi Sule, has commended the policy initiatives of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which are providing more opportunities for governors in the country to execute more projects due to improved revenue.

    Governor Sule made the commendation on Wednesday in Keffi, while speaking as special guest and visitor at the 4th stakeholders meeting and 1st anniversary of Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman as Vice-Chancellor, Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK).

    The governor particularly commended the Tinubu administration for its policy on the devaluation and unification of the naira, which brought to an end the multiple foreign exchange markets and rates.

    According to Governor Sule, his administration can undertake numerous projects because of the improved revenue accruing to the state, both from the internally generated revenue as well as from the monthly subvention.

    “I always use these kinds of opportunities to thank the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. When we couldn’t do some of the things that we could do, it was mainly because we didn’t have the resources.

    Read Also: Okechukwu lauds Tinubu’s committment to SEDC

    “The government could not afford to give sufficient funds to the university because there were not enough funds. But today, we are one of the states of the federation that are witnessing improved revenue.

    “Everything that we are doing for this university and every other institution just finished signing a document this weekend for the new salary structure for the House of Assembly, as well as other tertiary institutions in the state them would also require over one hundred million additional funding. We are doing it one hundred per cent from the improved IGR and the improved monthly subvention without borrowing any funds.

    “Everything you see we do in this state today, construction of this, construction of that. We are getting ready to do the groundbreaking of the flyover at the Total Roundabout in Keffi to reduce accidents. That is a contract of over N10bn. We have already paid the contractor 50 per cent so that there would be no variation.

    “The reason we are doing all these is because there is improved revenue, and not one naira for the projects going round the state is borrowed.  It is wholly funded from state resources.  That is the reason why every time I have had the opportunity, I express great appreciation to the administration of President Tinubu for all the things they have done to create the opportunities, especially on the unification of the foreign exchange.  That is where most of these advantages are coming from,” he stated.

    As part of the initiative to improve security at the university, he announced that his administration would sign a PPP arrangement with Advent, a renowned company that constructed hostels at the University of Lagos, as well as the Lagos State University, to undertake the construction of 1, 150-bed hostel.

  • We’re with Sule on North returning Tinubu, says Arewa Think Tank

    We’re with Sule on North returning Tinubu, says Arewa Think Tank

    • ‘Killings plot to frustrate president’s re-election’
    • NEF to take position in six months, says Baba-Ahmed
    • APC Northcentral Forum knocks Malami

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, got the backing of a Northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), on his stance that the North would work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

    Sule had said that the North needed to work towards the actualisation of President Tinubu‘s return in 2027.

    In a statement yesterday by the Convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, ATT vowed to work for President Tinubu’s return, come rain or shine.

    “We are in tandem with the position of Governor Abdullahi Sule, and by the grace of God, we are bringing back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue as President of Nigeria.

    “We know that supporting the second term bid of President Tinubu would be a fulfilment of the promise the region’s leaders made on the matter ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    “We trust and believe in Governor Sule because he is the Chairman, North Central Governors’ Forum, and we know that the North is not known for reneging on its promise.

    “We, therefore, urge Northern leaders to distance themselves from agitation by some politicians who are bent on causing confusion in the polity just because they failed to realise their personal ambitions.

    “Unfortunately, it is the same politicians who sold the Tinubu candidacy to the people in 2023, but are now turning around to criticise the President.

    Read Also: Advertising tribunal issues bench warrant against Aero Contractors’ boss, Sanusi

    “Some politicians will always create confusion if they fail to get what they want or achieve their targets.

    “We must say ‘No’ to such politicians and work for Tinubu’s return to power for the second term in 2027,” the statement said.

    On killings in Plateau and Benue states, ATT said political enemies of Nigeria were doing everything possible, including using foreigners, to frustrate the conduct of the 2027 general elections.

    ATT believes the killings were not perpetrated only by local insurgents but by foreign actors allegedly entering Nigeria through porous borders, with the intent of dividing the nation to portray the Tinubu Administration as weak.

    Baba-Ahmed: NEF will take position soon

    Former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Tinubu, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said the North will determine who becomes President in 2027.

    Dr. Baba-Ahmed, who is a one-time spokesman of the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF), stated that no one can win the 2027 presidential election without the support of the northern region.

    Baba-Ahmed, in an interview alongside former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Usman Yusuf, said the North would define its political direction before the end of 2025.

    He also warned that any attempt to rig the election would be vehemently rejected.

    Baba-Ahmed said: “In the next six months, the North will decide where it stands. If the rest of the country wants to join us, fine.

    “If not, we will go our own way. One thing is clear: nobody can become President of Nigeria without northern support.”

    APC Forum lashes out at Malami over CPC bloc

    Also yesterday, the Northcentral All Progressives Congress (NC APC) Forum faulted former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, for questioning the credibility of the Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) bloc led by former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura.

    Malami had challenged the authority of Al-Makura’s group to speak on behalf of the CPC legacy members.

    He stated that only the faction aligned with former President Muhammadu Buhari, of which Malami is a part, could decide whether or not to align with the emerging opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

    NC APC Forum, in a statement by its Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, dismissed Malami’s claims and said he was not in a position to speak for the CPC bloc or on any matter of national importance.

    “Abubakar Malami is in no position to represent the CPC bloc. His tenure as Justice Minister was marked by controversial decisions that weakened public confidence in the government institutions,” the Forum said.”

    Reiterating support for President Bola Tinubu, the Forum hailed Al-Makura as a leader of integrity, whose rejection of the opposition alliance reflects his commitment to progressive ideals.

  • Gov. Sule tasks Nigerian leaders on contentment, selfless lifestyle

    Gov. Sule tasks Nigerian leaders on contentment, selfless lifestyle

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has tasked leaders in the country on the need to lead a life of contentment, accountability, integrity and selflessness.

    Governor Sule said this is necessary so as to be able to provide needed dividends of democracy to the people.

    He spoke on Thursday night while delivering a lecture at the 13th anniversary and awards ceremony of Verbatim Magazine in Abuja with the theme: “Changing Times and Challenge of Leadership in Nigeria: Candid Views of an Uncommon Patriot.”

    He noted that leadership quality in Nigeria continued to decline despite the legacies left by the forefathers, as captured by Chinua Achebe in his book “The Trouble with Nigeria.”

     Sule stressed that leadership is all about problem-solving, providing solutions and benefits to the led.

    Read Also: Sule: Governors okay Tax Reform Bills as passed by Reps

    “It is about understanding your environment, understanding the solution that the people need, it is being accountable, transparent, having integrity and a character that aligns with the wishes of the people,” he said.

    He also pointed out that leaders should be fair and, provide inclusiveness, and distribute projects and appointments evenly.

    “He must be courageous, have contentment, accept constructive criticism, manage diversities with the ability to learn from mistakes, while accepting the assets and liabilities of his office,” he said.

    Speaking on his political journey, Sule said he came into politics to contribute to the development of Nasarawa State, having missed out in participating for the agitation for the creation of the state. 

    “We came into Nasarawa with an idea and a focus, knowing what to do collectively as a team; we have done that, and the state is better than we met it. This is what leadership is all about,” he said.

  • Sule submits 16 commissioner nominees to Nasarawa Assembly for screening 

    Sule submits 16 commissioner nominees to Nasarawa Assembly for screening 

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has submitted a list of 16 commissioner nominees to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

    Among the nominees is Alhaji Aminu Muazu Maifata, the immediate past National President of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON). Others include former Majority Leader of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Umar Tanko Tunga, and former assembly member, Hon. Mohammed Shah Muluku.

    Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, announced the nominations during the House proceedings in Lafia on Monday.

    “The Governor has submitted 16 names of Commissioner nominees to the Assembly for screening and confirmation and I want to urge the appointees to submit 30 copies of their Curriculum Vitae(CV) to the House on or before Thursday this week and appear for Screening next week Monday “

    Read Also: How Nasarawa govt officials sold appointment letters to 2,277 applicants —Sule

    “Those appointed by the Governor include  Yakubu Kwanta from Akwanga LGA, Hon. Tanko Tunga from Awe LGA, Hajiya Munirat Abdullahi and Gabriel Agbashi from Doma LGA, Barr. Isaac Danladi Amadu from Karu LGA,  Princess Margret Itaki Elayo from Keana LGA,  Dr Ibrahim Tanko from Keffi LGA and Dr John DW Mamman from Kokona LGA.

    “Others are Hon Aminu Mu’azu Maifata and CP Usman Baba (Rtd) from Lafia LGA, Hon. Mohammed Sani Ottos from Nasarawa LGA, Hon. Mohammed Agah Muluku from Nassarawa Eggon LGA, Barr. David Moyi from Obi LGA, Dr. Gaza Gwamna from Toto LGA and Barr Judbo Hauwa Samuel and Hon. Muazu Gosho from Wamba LGA” he added.

  • JUST IN: Gov Sule dissolves all political appointees

    JUST IN: Gov Sule dissolves all political appointees

    …swears in new SSG 

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule has dissolved all political appointees serving in his government.

    Governor Sule announced this Friday, February 7, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government house during a valedictory session with the Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants.

    He thanked them for all the services and contributions they made in the cause of their appointments to the development of the State and assured them that some may be still be re-appointed in other capacities.

    Governor Sule also swore in a new Secretary to the State Government, Barr Labaran Magaji who is the immediate past Commissioner and Attorney General of the state.

    Others who were inaugurated were the Sole administrator of Udege Development Area of Nasarawa local government; chairman and board members of the Collage of Education Akwanga.

    He charged the new appointees to work hard in assisting his administration to succeed.

    The Governor who had in early January dissolved the state executive council said, he has sent a list of 16 commissionership nominees to the state house of assembly for screening.