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Plateau : The Plateau 2024 First quarter Budgetary Spending Followed Due Process- Information Commissioner.

Ogunenwa Audu Jos

Plateau state Commissioner for Information and Communication Mr Musa Ibrahim Ashoms has declared that It has come to the attention of the Plateau State Government that a recent report by Sahara Reporters, dated July 24, 2024, contains misleading information regarding the state’s budgetary spending for the first quarter of 2024.

Ashoms in a statement made available to Kwararafa Reporters on Friday in Jos said “The article claim that 47% of the amount budgeted for capital expenditure was spent on official vehicles was not true as reported.

He said the report had raised concerns among citizens about the state’s spending priorities.

“We would like to clarify and correct these misrepresentations to clear any misconceptions and for the benefit of the general public”

He added that on Budgetary Allocation for Official Vehicle,
the report erroneously suggests that N3.9 billion, representing 47% of the capital expenditure budgeted was allocated for the purchase of official vehicles in Q1 2024, but in reality, the N3.9 billion figure is part of the N152. 8 billion total budgeted for this expenditure item for the entire year representing approximately 2.5% for the first quarter of 2024.

Ashoms noted that the report by Sahara Reporters was a gross misrepresentation of the percentages involved, not just the first quarter.

He added that the allocation for official vehicles in Q1 2024 was only a fraction of the annual budget.

He hinted thay
When the Time is Now Administration, led by His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, assumed office on May 29, 2023, it inherited a lack of functional official vehicles.

“The previous administration left with all functional vehicles despite the Committee for the Recovery of Government Assets recommending their return. Consequently, His Excellency used second-hand cars for nearly a year, and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the government had no functional vehicles to operate effectively until the budgetary provisions for new vehicles were met.”

On the Economic Context and Inflation Impact on the government, Ashoms said the procurement of vehicles was significantly influenced by the high inflation rate, which rose from 24.66% at the end of 2023 to 33.9% by the end of Q1 2024, stressing that
additionally, the exchange rate surged from N903 to N1,600 per dollar within the same period, greatly affecting the prices of imported goods, including vehicles.

He added that on Capital Expenditure Priorities,
the state’s capital expenditure budget for the first quarter of 2024 encompassed a wide range of critical projects, including infrastructure development, healthcare improvements, and educational advancements.

He noted that the expenditure on official vehicles was a necessary part of ensuring efficient operation and service delivery across various government departments, but said that it does not overshadow other essential capital projects.

He further stressed that on responsible Financial Management,
Plateau State Government remains committed to responsible and transparent financial management.

“The procurement of official vehicles is part of a broader strategy to enhance the functionality and efficiency of state operations, which ultimately benefits the citizens. It is important to note that all expenditures undergo rigorous scrutiny and are aligned with the state’s development goals”

Ashoms also stressed that on Public Engagement and Accountability, the government”
We value the concerns of our citizens and encourage public engagement in governance” adding that the state government regularly publishes detailed reports on budgetary allocations and expenditures, ensuring transparency and accountability.

” We urge the public to review these official documents for accurate information”.

He added that the Plateau State Government is dedicated to the prudent use of public funds and the advancement of the state’s development agenda.

He called on media organizations to verify facts and provide balanced reporting to avoid misinformation and undue alarm among the populace.

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Ogunenwa Audu Jos

Plateau state Commissioner for Information and Communication Mr Musa Ibrahim Ashoms has declared that It has come to the attention of the Plateau State Government that a recent report by Sahara Reporters, dated July 24, 2024, contains misleading information regarding the state’s budgetary spending for the first quarter of 2024.

Ashoms in a statement made available to Daily Independent on Friday in Jos said “The article claim that 47% of the amount budgeted for capital expenditure was spent on official vehicles was not true as reported.

He said the report had raised concerns among citizens about the state’s spending priorities.

“We would like to clarify and correct these misrepresentations to clear any misconceptions and for the benefit of the general public”

He added that on Budgetary Allocation for Official Vehicle,
the report erroneously suggests that N3.9 billion, representing 47% of the capital expenditure budgeted was allocated for the purchase of official vehicles in Q1 2024, but in reality, the N3.9 billion figure is part of the N152. 8 billion total budgeted for this expenditure item for the entire year representing approximately 2.5% for the first quarter of 2024.

Ashoms noted that the report by Sahara Reporters was a gross misrepresentation of the percentages involved, not just the first quarter.

He added that the allocation for official vehicles in Q1 2024 was only a fraction of the annual budget.

He hinted thay
When the Time is Now Administration, led by His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, assumed office on May 29, 2023, it inherited a lack of functional official vehicles.

“The previous administration left with all functional vehicles despite the Committee for the Recovery of Government Assets recommending their return. Consequently, His Excellency used second-hand cars for nearly a year, and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the government had no functional vehicles to operate effectively until the budgetary provisions for new vehicles were met.”

On the Economic Context and Inflation Impact on the government, Ashoms said the procurement of vehicles was significantly influenced by the high inflation rate, which rose from 24.66% at the end of 2023 to 33.9% by the end of Q1 2024, stressing that
additionally, the exchange rate surged from N903 to N1,600 per dollar within the same period, greatly affecting the prices of imported goods, including vehicles.

He added that on Capital Expenditure Priorities,
the state’s capital expenditure budget for the first quarter of 2024 encompassed a wide range of critical projects, including infrastructure development, healthcare improvements, and educational advancements.

He noted that the expenditure on official vehicles was a necessary part of ensuring efficient operation and service delivery across various government departments, but said that it does not overshadow other essential capital projects.

He further stressed that on responsible Financial Management,
Plateau State Government remains committed to responsible and transparent financial management.

“The procurement of official vehicles is part of a broader strategy to enhance the functionality and efficiency of state operations, which ultimately benefits the citizens. It is important to note that all expenditures undergo rigorous scrutiny and are aligned with the state’s development goals”

Ashoms also stressed that on Public Engagement and Accountability, the government”
We value the concerns of our citizens and encourage public engagement in governance” adding that the state government regularly publishes detailed reports on budgetary allocations and expenditures, ensuring transparency and accountability.

” We urge the public to review these official documents for accurate information”.

He added that the Plateau State Government is dedicated to the prudent use of public funds and the advancement of the state’s development agenda.

He called on media organizations to verify facts and provide balanced reporting to avoid misinformation and undue alarm among the populace.

.

Otubi Audu Jos

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The Global President of Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria( IBBN )Prophet Isa El-buba has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently give strong Power and backing to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to investigate and uproot Corruption in NNPC and all goverment’s agencies under the current administration.

Prophet El-buba while
addressing a Press conference at his EBOMI Towers in Jos on Thursday on a nine point resolutions on the way forward out of the current agitations for good Governance in the Country, said the government should have a clear direction on the short and long term goals under the current administration of President Tinubu.

According to him, President Tinubu should bring to an end bad governance that has bedeviled Nigeria for this very long time by cutting down Presidential, governors and Ministerial spending and allowances.

He added Goverment should as well stop spending on the purchase of new Jets and vehicles, stressing that at this difficult time of the Nation, President Tinubu should show leadership to Nigerians of his vision of renewed Hope agenda by relieving from his cabinet non performing Ministers and bring on board crack team that would be pationate on moving Nigeria forward.

He also tasked President Tinubu to direct Federal ministry of works to fix federal roads that have now become death traps and as well direct Ministry of Agricuture to realise and subsidized fertilizers and high yield seeds that can produce food crops within three months to farmers with proof of farm lands.

He also urged ministry of Agricuture to realise food stuffs in order to crash down the prices of food stuffs that have through rooftops in the market.

El-Buba also called on President Tinubu to re instate a corruption free subsidy regime to address hunger, starvation and poverty.

On the issue if Petroleum products, Prophet El-buba called on President Tinubu led federal government to direct the ministry of Petroleum to deploy all CNG convertible kits to all NNPC stations across the country to enable interested Nigerians to switch to CNG to reduce cost of transportation and insisted that all the top management team of NNPC that have wrecked the system should be sacked and shown the way out.
He charged the federal government to invest heavily in education and give students grants and pursue free and compulsory for children across Nigeria.
He also called for Probe of past and present Nigeria leaders who have looted the treasury to recover the loot and to deposit such loot in a special treasury to fund education among other demands.
He also called for blocking of all leakages in the system and in the supply of crude oil production in Nigeria.

Onoja Audu Jos.

The Global President of Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria( IBBN )Prophet Isa El-buba has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently give strong Power and backing to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to investigate and uproot Corruption in NNPC and all goverment’s agencies under the current administration.

Prophet El-buba who
addressed a Press conference at his EBOMI Towers in Jos on Thursday on a nine point resolutions on the way forward out of the current agitations for good Governance in the Country, said the government should have a clear direction on the short and long term goals under the current administration of President Tinubu.

According to him, President Tinubu should bring to an end bad governance that has bedeviled Nigeria for this very long time by cutting down Presidential, governors and Ministerial spending and allowances.

He added Goverment should as well stop spending on the purchase of new Jets and vehicles, stressing that at this difficult time of the Nation, President Tinubu should show leadership to Nigerians of his vision of renewed Hope agenda by relieving from his cabinet non performing Ministers and bring on board crack team that would be pationate on moving Nigeria forward.

He also tasked President Tinubu to direct Federal ministry of works to fix federal roads that have now become death traps and as well direct Ministry of Agricuture to realise and subsidized fertilizers and high yield seeds that can produce food crops within three months to farmers with proof of farm lands.

He also urged ministry of Agricuture to realise food stuffs in order to crash down the prices of food stuffs that have through rooftops in the market.

El-Buba also called on President Tinubu to re instate a corruption free subsidy regime to address hunger, starvation and poverty.

On the issue if Petroleum products, Prophet El-buba called on President Tinubu led federal government to direct the ministry of Petroleum to deploy all CNG convertible kits to all NNPC stations across the country to enable interested Nigerians to switch to CNG to reduce cost of transportation and insisted that all the top management team of NNPC that have wrecked the system should be sacked and shown the way out.
He charged the federal government to invest heavily in education and give students grants and pursue free and compulsory for children across Nigeria.
He also called for Probe of past and present Nigeria leaders who have looted the treasury to recover the loot and to deposit such loot in a special treasury to fund education among other demands.
He also called for blocking of all leakages in the system and in the supply of crude oil production in Nigeria.

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang on Friday, presented staff of office to the new Mwo Ywom of the Ywom Chiefdom, a second class traditional ruler, AIG(rtd) Bashir Makama Dabup lll at Garkawa in Mikang Local Government Area of the state.

The Governor, while performing the presentation of staff of office and certificate to the new Mwo Ywom at RCM Transferred Primary School Garkawa, praised the Ywom Chiefdom and the Mikang Local Government Area Traditional Council for demonstrating good conduct during the transition period up to the selection of the new monarch and called on all communities to emulate the Ywom Chiefdom.

Mutfwang who was represented by the secretary to the Government of the State, Arc. Samuel Jatau appealed to all communities in the state to embrace dialogue as a means of resolving any differences on issues related to chieftaincy matters in their communities to foster peace and unity.

He stated that the government was assiduously working to fill some vacant stools in the state, but expressed concern over lingering litigations in some communities which he said had stalled the process.

The governor promised, however, that his administration would continue to do its best to ensure that an acceptable process of selection was put in place wherever a vacant stool existed.

In his words, “the ‘Time is now’ administration, upon assuming office, has placed a high premium on galvanizing the traditional institution to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state”, stressing that this effort had promoted social cohesion and harmonious co-existence among the people in the state.

He admonished the new monarch to be proactive and carry his people along, irrespective of creed, religion or any affiliation and avoid tendencies that promote selfish or sectional interest.

Earlier in his remark, the commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ephraim Usman expressed gratitude to the Ywom stakeholders and the royal family for putting heads together for a peaceful selection which led to the emergence of the new monarch.

He called on communities with vacant stools to take a que from the collective will demonstrated by the Ywom nation which led to the successful selection of the new Mwo Ywom.

In his welcome address, the Transitional Implementation Committee Chairman of Mikang Local Government Area, Mr. Daniel Kunmi called on traditional rulers to focus attention on their primary duties and leave governance to the politicians who had the constitutional backing.

He said the selection of the new Mwo Ywom was the will of God and expressed confidence in the ability of the new monarch to bring peace to his people.

The local government boss also used the opportunity provided by the event to call on the state government to construct the bad road linking the community.

On his part, the chairman of Plateau State Joint Traditional Council and the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba congratulated the new Mwo Ywom and called on the monarch to ensure that he joined hands with the state government and the traditional council to overcome the challenges that are facing the state.

In his response, the new Mwo Ywom, AIG(RTD) Bashir Makama Dabup lll thanked all stakeholders for their different roles in his selection, particularly the state governor for approving his selection and promised to safeguard the ancestral norms and values and to also use his wealth of experience in defence of his people.

Highlights of the occasion were traditional dances and cultural displays from different groups within the state.

TEXT OF PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE PLATEAU CONCERNED APC YOUTHS

Gentlemen of the Press,

It is with profound pleasure that the some notable and patriotic youths under the auspices of the Plateau Concerned APC Youths come before you today to express our opinion as a Non-governmental Organization on the socio-political issues in our dear State and the Country at large.

Let us first of all, though belated, start by congratulating President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for successfully clocking one year in office, which for us on the Plateau, has indicated and brought some ray of hope in the Country’s quest of surmounting its economic and socio-political challenges. To this end, we have every believe and assurance that things will be better in no distant future based on the policies and recovery templates put in place by the Tinubu administration. Therefore as a group, we want to register and assure Mr President of our unalloyed support to his government.

Gentlemen of the Press, as you are aware, Plateau State has been always in the news for bad reasons as a result of the actions or inactions of the ruling PDP government, which to a large extend has created bottled combustible anger, ready to burst into flames anytime in the State.

Gentlemen of the Press, it is on record that the APC defeated PDP by coming second after the Labour Party, during the presidential election, in spite of the well orchestrated campaign against the Muslim -Muslim ticket of Tinubu/Shettima by the PDP. Regrettable the APC has become a subject of ridicule and mockery because of the way Governor Mutfwang and the PDP have flagrantly violated the constitution and disrespected the rule of law with impunity in Plateau State.

For the first time in the political history of this Country, a sitting Governor could call the bluff an important institution like the judiciary without sanction from any quarters.It is only in Plateau State that the Governor openly disrespected the electoral process and the Constitution by refusing to accept the verdict of the election Petition tribunal. Instead, the governor formulated his own conditions of executing the decision of the Election Petition Tribunal.

A case in point is the situation where the Governor in concert with the the Speaker, who incidentally is from a minority Party, made it mandatory that for the 16 APC members to be sworn- in, they must first of all, write an undated letter of resignation with an affidavit stating that the decision to do was voluntary.

This action is not only autocratic, unheard off, but defied all sense of responsibility, democratic norms and political decency from a person who himself, is a product of democracy as well as the rule of law.

Gentlemen of the Press, as things stand out now, 6 members of the APC who have refused to be coarsed into that unwholesome condition of signing their resignations letters as a precondition for their swearing in, are still been denied and refused to be sworn in by the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly. Unfortunately the action of the governor has deprived six constituencies voices in the legislature for nearly seven months since they won their cases at the election Petition tribunals.

This misuse of power and despicable attitude of the governor has been creating tension and anxiety, to the extent that the patience of most especially, people of the 6 affected constituencies and that of the APC supporters are fast running out,coupled with the kind of provocative innuendoes perpetrated by the Plateau State government.

Regrettably the APC which holds the ace at the centre has been living politically at the mercy of the PDP to the extent that the APC supporters are denied even palliatives and other forms of social interventions sent to the State by the Federal government. This untoward attitude of the Plateau State government has painfully resonated with the APC and made them look like political orphans in the Country.

Gentlemen of Press, permit to also use this opportunity to appeal to Mr President to appoint a Minister from Plateau State.This is to also allow us have a representation at the Federal executive Council.Mr President should safe us from further embarrassment and ridicule by the PDP supporters who constantly delight in making caricature of use for aligning with the Muslim -Muslim ticket.

In conclusion, we want to once more thank you gentlemen of the Press for listening to us, and also hope that our message will be given the widest publicity it deserves.

Thank you for your attention.Signed.

Hon.Gwalson Mutshak.

Co-ordinator.

Addressing a press conference at the state party Secretariat at Kalwa House in Jos on Friday,the state coordinator APC Youths stakeholders Hon Gwalson Mutshak told newsmen that the APC which holds the ace at National level or federal government has been living politically at the mercy of the PDP government on the Plateau to the extent of APC members being denied palliative and other forms of social interventions given to the state by the federal government.

He lamented that going by the way of current political development in the state if not checked, APC members are made to look like orphans in the state.

Mutshak called on President Ahmed Tinubu to urgently appoint a new Minister from Plateau to enable Plateau have a representation at the federal executive Council.

He Pleaded with President Tinubu to save Plateau citizens of APC stalk from further embarrassement and redicle by the PDP supporters.

The state APC Youths stakeholders coordinator argued further that Plateau state should not be in the news for bad reasons but for good reasons which the state was known for in the past, wondering why despite the fact that his party APC had sixteen out of twenty four sets at the House Assembly at the moment, 6 out of 16 APC Lawmakers have not been sworn into Office by the speaker who is from a minority party in the state till this very moment.

He called on the governor of the state who is a lawyer by profession not to violate the constitution and obey the rule of law in the state by ensuring all the sixteen APC elected members of the state Assembly be allowed to take their seats in the House of Assembly to represent the views and aspirations of their Constituencies in the state Assembly.

Otubi Audu Jos

The North Central All Progressive Congress (APC) Forum has warned all the groups planning to protest across the nation for whatever reason against the government to have a rethink and retrace their steps, saying that such decision will be inimical to progress of the country at this critical moment.

Speaking with newsmen in Jos the Plateau State capital on Monday to express their opposition to any form of protest, the forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, said President Bola Tinubu is trying his best to reposition the country and redirect it to the path of greatness, and so all he requires now is support rather than distraction in the name of any protest.

According to him, those calling for protest are not doing so for the love of the country, but for their own selfish reasons and cheap political points as many of them are being sponsored by forces who are enemies of the country and the government.

The chairman strongly send a note of warning also to the protesters not to contemplate staging it in the North Central region, saying that the region and the North by extension is currently going through security challenges which the president is trying tirelessly to tackle through the gains made by the security operatives.

And therefore, he said, any protest in the region can be highjacked by hoodlums to cause mayhem and threaten lives and properties of law abiding citizens.

He also mentioned the kidnappings, banditry and other things the region is going through, of which the region cannot afford to have another reactiveness added to it.

Besides, he said, protest in parts of the region and the North often takes ethno-religious dimension which also culminated into killings of one another between Christians and Muslims.

“Example of such protest which often turn violent and take an ethno-religious crisis is that of the #EndSars protest across the country which took such dimension in Jos, the Plateau State capital, and we have to do a lot to tame it.

“I, alongside other eminent persons in Jos, went around calming the people down and to stop the violence, and we endured that Christians are protected in Muslim areas, and vice versa, and thereafter handed them to the police to unite them with their families safely,” he said.

He called on all their members across the region to mobilize vigorously and campaign against any form of protest in the region, and also urged the governors, religious leaders, traditional rulers and other eminent personalities in the North Central region to call all their wards to order and advice them against participating in any form of protest due to the peculiar situation of the region.

END

Ogunenwa Audu Jos

The Dr. Isa El-Buba Foundation on Saturday deeply expressed saddened by the tragic collapse of the two-storey Saint Academy school building at Bussa Buchi, neighborhood of Jos on Friday.

Executive Director of the foundation Mrs Deborah El-buba Adubi who toured the site of the building collapse while briefing newsmen said the school building collapse had resulted in the loss of precious lives and injuries to numerous students and teachers.

“We commiserate with the families of the victims and extend our heartfelt condolences to bereaved families of all the victims, the people and Government of Plateau State and all those affected by this devastating incident” saying their thoughts and prayers are with them in this difficult time.”

” We urge authorities and stakeholders to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse and take immediate action and proactive steps to avert future occurrence and the safety and well-being of our children”

She said “educators must remain paramount.While we commend the swift response by the good people and Government of Plateau State in supporting rescue efforts and footing medical bills of victims accordingly.

“We call on Governments, communities, public spirited individuals to continue to support the families of the victims and the injured. Indeed this is the time to Stand with the Plateau.”

She pledged her support and resources to assist in any way possible.

” Let us work together to ensure that our schools are safe and conducive for learning, and that such a tragedy doesn’t occur again.”

She cautioned Educationist must take extreme caution and seriousness in looking after the precious lives of children entrusted in to their care.
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” Isa El-Buba Foundation is, calling on the Government of Plateau State to mandate and possibly support the relocation of settlements dangerously situated around the river bank of Bussa buchi close to the location of school collapse to avert an impending double tragedy of more devastating magnitude.”

“May the souls of the departed rest in peace ,may the injured recover quickly and may future catastrophe be averted”.

Ogunenwa Audu Jos

The Executive Governor of Plateau State was ably represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Shurkuk Cletus Bako, at the Association of Resident Doctors OGM and Scientific Conference. Dr. Shurkuk, accompanied by the Executive Secretary of Drugs Management Commodities Agency, Pharm. Kim Jerry Bot, attended the event held at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).

In his address, Dr. Bako, speaking on behalf of His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, pledged the government’s support to improve the health sector and collaborate with JUTH for the growth of a healthy Plateau. He emphasized the need for deeper collaboration with the Association to revamp the state health sector for the benefit of the Plateau people.

Pharm. Kim Jerry Bot reiterated the importance of the central medical store, which is now ready for commissioning. He stated that this is key to managing pharmaceutical products, combating the menace of fake drugs, and ensuring a good working environment for all doctors through the provision of quality drugs.

An Award of Excellence was presented to the Governor of Plateau State by the Association, which Dr. Shurkuk received on behalf of the Governor. He thanked the ARD for this honour and urged them to be good ambassadors of the state.

© Kwararafa media

Ogunenwa Audu Jos

The Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, has commended Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for executing people-oriented projects that have positively impacted citizens of Plateau state .

General Musa made this commendation while on a courtesy visit to Governor Mutfwang at the New Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos.

He praised Governor Mutfwang’s leadership style, especially his dedication and commitment to peace, security, and the development of the state despite the challenges he has faced.

General. Musa thanked Governor Mutfwang for creating a conducive working environment for Nigerian Army personnel, saying this has enabled them to carry out their operations without hindrance.

He affirmed that the Army will continue to adhere to its constitutional mandate in all its operations and that anyone violating their code of conduct would be severely punished.

Responding Governor Mutfwang welcomed General Musa and his team to Plateau State and expressed appreciation for the military’s role in preserving Nigeria’s unity, protecting lives and property, and their successful interventions globally.

Mutfwang emphasized that his administration is working assiduously to enhance intelligence gathering through the deployment of modern technological equipment to ensure better results and safety for the people.

He reiterated his commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, by ensuring that every part of the state is given a sense of belonging to build trust, confidence, and deepen peace and security.

Governor Mutfwang also highlighted the state’s ambitious program to rehabilitate and return all Internally Displaced Persons to their ancestral homes, and said the project will only be successful with the unwavering support of the Nigerian Army.

General Christopher Musa, the 18th Chief of Defense Staff, was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding 3 Armored Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, along with the full complement of the Defense headquarters for the visit.