Politics
FG Gives Conditions for Accessing N250bn Gas Intervention Fund

The Federal Government has said that investors must meet seven criteria to access the N250bn intervention fund for gas value chain businesses.
Recall that the CBN launched the intervention fund last August.
Ms Brenda Attaga, Technical Adviser to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, listed the criteria in Abuja on Sunday when she addressed newsmen.
They are technical feasibility, overall business plan an skills and experience output of the business plan as they must meet government’s national objective of cresting skilled and unskilled employment.
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Another criterion is the social economic impact of the business plan and what percentage of Internally Generated Revenue it would contribute to the state in which the applicant plans to operate.
Others are the financial feasibility of the plan, economic and finance models of the plan and the environmental feasibility of the plan.
Attaga said that 27 applications had been received and they have obligor limit of N10 billion each.
She added that on the SMEs portion, 50 applications had been received noting that SME scheme had a limit of N50 million
“In this regard, our evaluation covers seven fundamental areas which must be evidenced by applicants.
“This is because people have sent us all kinds of applications that are not in line with the recommended framework of our evaluation.
“The essence is really for us as a ministry to support the propagation of gas and also creation of jobs through access to financing,’’ she said.
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She added that SMEs would also follow similar structure but that start-ups would enjoy some leniency in the financial model.
According to her, SMEs will prove that they are registered in Nigeria; they pay their taxes; prove affiliation to first class companies which are already established businesses with good track records within the gas value chain.
She noted that preference would be given to indigenous companies as well as gender-based-led companies in the SMEs category.
She said that with the volume of the fund and spread of businesses, it was expected that the scheme would contribute to job creation.
Attaga, however, said that there was no timeline for applications, but that the fund had a fixed amount.
“In the Liquefied Natural Gas sector, our job creation plan is looking at a minimum of 750,000 jobs; in the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) sector, we are targeting additional 250,000 jobs.
“The CNG sector jobs including operations of kits centres where vehicles using petrol can be adapted to using CNG and some new fuelling stations would consequently come up.
“On manufacturing, jobs have become leaner because the world is technology- based today and manual labour is getting contracted.
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“On industrialisation, we are looking at a spike because of the number of plants that can be set up with this money.
“So, overall, we should hit about a total of three million jobs from this funding, if we get it right,’’ Attaga said
She called for domestication of all inputs to help to reduce cost and support availability of products.
(PUNCH)
Politics
Oshiomhole Criticised For ‘Eating Own Vomit’

Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has been criticised for ‘eating his vomit” after he distributed motor-cycles, grinding machines, sewing machines and money as constituency project.
A former lawmaker and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo North, Hon Segun Saiki, in an interview with journalists reminded the former Edo governor
of how he berated federal lawmakers for impoverishing the people by sharing sewing machines, motorcycles, as constituency project.
Recall that Senator Oshiomhole, in an interview he granted before his election to the National Assembly, promised to restructure the whole idea of constituency project.
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Oshiomhole had said during the interview before his election: “I don’t want to go to the Senate for business as usual. I have seen my Senator gave out grinding machine and motorbike as empowerment.
“That is more offensive. How are you empowering a young man in his 20s with a motorbike? You are destroying him. I think the government must refocus the long term strategy to empower the people.”
But the PDP chieftain said Oshiomhole swallowed what he had vomited by doling out grinding machines, motorbikes, sewing machines and N100,000 as constituency project.
READ ALSO:PDP NWC Reaffirms 10-member Edo Caretaker Committee
“It is like somebody vomiting and swallowing it back. Which constituency project is he doing after two years in the Senate. What can anybody buy with N100,000 in this present economy? Oshiomhole only gave money to people that visited him.”
Contacted, Media Aide to Oshiomhole, Victor Oshioke, said his principal built classroom blocks, market stores besides the items distributed.
“What Oshiomhole meant was that a Senator should not be judged by sharing items but by enduring legacies and jobs created.”
Politics
JUST IN: ADC Suspends South-South Vice Chairman Over Anti-party, Insubordination

The African Democratic Congress has suspended its National Vice Chairman (South-South), Dr. Usani Usani, over what it described as actions capable of undermining the unity and progress of the party.
The suspension, which takes immediate effect, followed deliberations at a meeting of the State Working Committee of the ADC, Cross River State chapter, held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
Announcing the decision in a statement issued Monday in Abuja, the State Publicity Secretary, James Otudor, said the committee found Usani’s recent conduct to be in violation of the ADC Constitution and inconsistent with the party’s core values.
According to Otudor, the SWC examined multiple petitions alleging anti-party activities, insubordination to constituted authority, and actions deemed detrimental to the image and electoral fortunes of the ADC.
READ ALSO:Court Declines Kachikwu’s Motion Against INEC, ADC Leaders
“In accordance with the party’s constitution and disciplinary procedures, Dr. Usani’s suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of a formal investigation by the relevant party organs,” the statement read.
The committee also faulted the appointment of Ms. Jackie Wayas as Deputy National Publicity Secretary, citing lack of consultation with the Cross River leadership before her emergence.
Otudor alleged that Wayas had shown “little engagement” with the state chapter since assuming office and questioned her loyalty to the party’s unity in the South-South.
“Consequently, the SWC urged the National Leadership to review her appointment and replace her with a competent, credible, and media-savvy individual from Cross River State with a verifiable record of commitment to the ideals of the ADC,” he stated.
READ ALSO:INEC Has Not Confirmed ADC State Leaders – Party
The Cross River chapter further expressed displeasure over the conduct of certain individuals within the Coalition Movement who, despite publicly declaring for the ADC, had failed to complete their membership registration.
It warned that the party would not tolerate dual membership or allow its platform to be used by politicians pursuing multiple partisan interests.
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“All coalition leaders and intending members are directed to complete their registration at their respective ward levels within seven days, ending Saturday, October 25, 2025, or risk exclusion from leadership and decision-making processes within the party,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its loyalty to the national leadership, the Cross River ADC pledged continued commitment to providing credible leadership and a people-centered political alternative for the state and South-South region.
“We urge all members to remain calm, law-abiding, and steadfast as the party’s internal mechanisms for discipline, justice, and accountability take their full course,” the statement concluded.
Politics
Jonathan’s Ex-aide Dumps PDP For APC

A former Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Matters and Social Events to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Waripamo-owei Dudafa, has formally announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the All Progressive Congress.
Dudafa, a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, announced his resignation from the PDP in a statement he issued on Saturday in Yenagoa.
In the letter of resignation addressed to the Chairman, PDP, Southern Opokuma/Ayibabiri Ward 8 in Kolokuma Opukuma Local Government Area, he stated that his decision to quit the PDP followed a period of deep reflection and consultation with his political associates, supporters, and family members.
The letter read in part: “It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party effective immediately. Throughout my time with the party, I have been deeply committed to our shared values and goals, and it has been an honour to work with so many dedicated individuals.”
READ ALSO:Jonathan Dragged To Court Over Bid To Participate In 2027 Election
Dudafa stated that the unresolved disputes, particularly at the national level, “have significantly impeded our ability to move forward, rather they create an environment of conflict that’s no longer conducive to advancing the shared values and objectives.”
He said: “While this decision has been difficult, I remain committed to serving the best interests of our people, motivated by my dedication to their welfare and progress.”
Announcing his decision to join the APC, he said: “After careful reflection and consideration, I have decided to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), a platform I believe offers renewed hope, unity and a stronger foundation to address the challenges facing our dear state.”
READ ALSO:Jonathan To Meet Tinubu Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention — Sowore
To the members of the APC, Dudafa wrote, “I look forward to working alongside new colleagues who share this vision.”
He expressed appreciation to the PDP for the relationships and experiences he gained during his time in the PDP and wished the party well in overcoming its present challenges.
Political observers are of the opinion that his resignation could signal realignments ahead of future political developments in Bayelsa State and at the national level.
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