NEWS
There Is No Final Candidate List- INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), has distanced itself from a purported final list of candidates for the 2023 general elections released on Sunday.
The commission in a statement by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, in Abuja on Monday, said INEC did not release any list on Sunday.
“The attention of the commission has been drawn to reports widely circulated by a section of the media today, Monday, January 9, that the final list of candidates was released on our website on Sunday, January 8.
“The commission wishes to state categorically that no new publication of the final list of candidates was released as reported. The public should therefore discountenance the story.’’
Mr Okoye said that for the record, the final list of candidates for the 2023 general elections was published, at least, 150 days before the day of the election in compliance with the provision of Sec. 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.
“Accordingly, the final list for presidential and national assembly elections was published on September 20, 2022, while that of governorship and state assembly elections was published two weeks later on October 4, 2022.
“These are clearly indicated as item eight on the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Elections released by the commission on Feb. 26, 2022.’’
Mr Okoye said there could not be a final list of candidates with just 46 days to the general elections, except for names published as substitutions for candidates nominated earlier in compliance with the Court Order.
“Moreover, some of the candidates that allegedly made the new “final” list are still in court and the matter is, therefore, subjudice.
“Political parties, litigants and the public should be guided accordingly,’’ Mr Okoye said.
(NAN)
NEWS
NUJ Lauds Dangote For Crashing Petrol Price

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council has commended Dangote Refinery for its consistency in the price reduction of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol.
The NUJ was reacting to the latest reduction in the ex-gantry loading cost of PMS from ₦880 per litre to ₦865.
Biztellers reports that the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council, Adeleye Ajayi, noted that the Dangote Refinery had projected itself as a huge partner in progress to all Nigerians.
The gesture, the Council Chairman said had endeared the business mogul to Nigeria as a saviour of the masses in the face of the present hardship.
ALSO READ: Shell Commends Oloibiri Lecture Series As Platform For Change
Recall that the Dangote Refinery had announced a reduction of its ex-depot price per liter by N15 ostensibly following reduction in the price of crude oil in the international market.
“I want to emphatically say that the Dangote Refinery is indeed a blessing to all Nigerians. The roll out of petroleum products from Dangote Refinery has indeed changed the game and the fuel market is now liberalized,” he stated.
Urging other industrialists to take a cue from Dangote’s good heart towards Nigerians in the face of present economic hardship, the NUJ boss added, “In the last few months, we are all aware that Dangote Refinery has crashed the price of PMS at different interval and we are very optimistic that such gesture will be extended to other sectors by other industrialists.
“We need more Dangotes in this country so that Nigeria can be great again. Imagine if we have three or four Dangote in other sectors of Nigeria’s economy, Nigeria’s economic progress would have been fastracked.”
In a related development, Ajayi lauded the move by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) which gave an express approval for the full implementation of the suspended Naira-for-Crude agreement with local refiners on Wednesday.
He opined that the move would boost the confidence of the citizenry, as the output was expected to improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
NEWS
Family Of Six Killed In New York Plane Crash

A tragic crash involving a small plane near Copake, New York, has claimed the lives of all six people aboard.
The aircraft, a Mitsubishi MU2B40, went down in a field approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Columbia County Airport on Saturday afternoon, authorities confirmed.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash, with spokesperson Todd Inman stating that the incident is classified as a “fatal crash.”
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Presidency Shreds New York Times’ Nigeria’s Worst Economic Crisis Report
While Inman did not specify the number of deaths, the New York Times, citing a family member, reported that all six occupants perished.
The victims were identified as pilot Michael Groff, a neurosurgeon, his wife Joy Saini, a surgeon, their two children, and the children’s partners.
According to the Times, the family was traveling to a 25th birthday party and a Passover celebration.
Inman described the plane’s descent, saying it was “intact as it came down” before the impact caused it to “compress, buckle, and embed into the terrain.”
Before the crash, Groff, an experienced pilot, had reported a missed approach to the airport and requested guidance for another landing attempt, Inman explained.
He added that visibility had worsened before the crash occurred.
The plane’s cockpit had been recently updated, and the aircraft was in good condition prior to the crash.
This incident follows a string of other aviation tragedies.
Just last week, a helicopter crash in the Hudson River resulted in six fatalities.
In January, 67 people were killed in a collision between a military helicopter and a passenger jet in Washington state.
A light aircraft crash in Florida on Friday also claimed three lives when the plane developed mechanical issues shortly after takeoff.
The NTSB continues its investigation into the cause of the crash near Copake.
NEWS
No Safety Guarantee For Unscheduled Visitors To Benue – Gov Alia

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has raised the alarm over unapproved visits to the state, warning that his administration cannot guarantee the safety of any individual or group who enters the state without prior notice.
The warning was contained in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, under the heading: “Notice Regarding Unscheduled Visit to Benue State.”
SEE ALSO: Gunmen Abduct Four Female Students In Benue University
In the statement, Governor Alia stressed that he was not expecting any “August visitor” and disclosed that his schedule was currently occupied with “high-profile meetings with key state actors to discuss critical issues affecting our state.”
The governor advised that any person or group planning to visit Benue, especially those whose presence could spark political gatherings, should obtain official clearance before making such trips.
“For anyone considering a visit to Benue State without the Governor’s knowledge, it is imperative to reconsider such plans, as the safety and security of individuals in this regard cannot be guaranteed,” the statement warned.
Governor Alia also addressed those intending to visit Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the state, stating that prior approval must be sought and obtained from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA).
The statement further urged both security operatives and members of the public to remain vigilant and uphold peace across the state.