News

Allegation of wage bills expansion against Gov Lalong mischievous, Plateau APC slams PDP

Published

3 years ago

April 25, 2023

vicky

The All Progressive Congress (APC) Plateau State Chapter has debunked the allegation of employment and expansion of wage bills against Governor Simon Bako Lalong, stating that he remains the constitutionally elected Governor of the state until the handover to a new dispensation on May 29, 2023.

Recall that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Mr. John Akans, alleged that the outgoing administration is plotting evil against the incoming government by engaging in employment in the state civil service and expanding wage bills through contractual obligations and increased payroll.

The statement further depicted that no fewer than 11,000 workers of various cadres have been employed since the last general elections, especially in state-owned tertiary institutions.

In a swift reaction, the State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Hon. Slyvanus Namang, said in a statement that the position of the PDP was a clear mischief to tarnish the image of the APC-led government in the state.

“For the records, it is totally false and mischievous to claim that the Lalong administration has only embarked on employment in the civil and public service towards the twilight of his administration, but an ongoing exercise that began a few weeks after his assumption of office in May 2015 with the employment of over a thousand primary school teachers and the reinstatement of hundreds of sacked workers in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“As part of its blackmail, the PDP in its release claims that the Lalong Administration is planning to convert unlisted government properties at Dogon Dutse and elsewhere within and outside the state to personal use. These are recycled, unsubstantiated claims by the party that are false in all their ramifications.”

Namang further debunked the allegation that the state Water Board can no longer supply water to the public due to power outages occasioned by non-payment for this essential utility, adding that one of the major achievements of Governor Simon Bako Lalong is the ending of the perennial water shortage in Jos, which understandably it is not comfortable with as it believes in seeing the public suffer.

He mentioned that what no one can take away from Governor Lalong is the restoration of peace, unity, and good governance in Plateau State, as opposed to the impunity that was perpetrated by his predecessor.

The APC therefore declared that anything that the PDP would do to undermine the existing peace and the peace-building legacies of the Lalong administration would be resisted by all patriotic forces in the state.

The party warned the PDP to retrace the very wrong and precarious steps it is contemplating taking for the sake of peace.

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Business

Mutual Benefits Settles Over ₦5.5bn Claims, Reinforces Customer Trust

Published

1 hour ago

May 13, 2026

Preport

NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc has paid over ₦5.5 billion in claims to policyholders as at April 2026, reaffirming its long-standing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most dependable and customer-focused insurance brands.

The claims payout, according to the company cuts across both General and Life businesses, underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its promises to customers promptly and consistently, even as Nigeria’s insurance industry continues to evolve amid recapitalisation and increased market scrutiny.

A breakdown of the claims settlement shows that the sum of ₦3,668,742,117.69 was paid under the General Business portfolio, while ₦1,914,029,614.93 was disbursed under the Life Business portfolio, covering Group Life and Retail Life policies.

The payouts covered a broad spectrum of claims including motor, engineering, marine, life protection, death benefits and other insured risks.

Equally important, Mutual Benefits has consistently earned commendation from policyholders for its responsiveness during difficult moments.

A retail customer whose motor insurance claim was recently settled by the company described the experience as reassuring:“You never truly know the value of insurance until something goes wrong. What stood out for me was how quickly Mutual Benefits responded and resolved my claim without unnecessary stress.”

Another Group Life beneficiary noted: “At a very difficult time for our family, Mutual Benefits came through professionally and compassionately. The support made a real difference.”

Speaking on the development, Managing Director, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc., Olufemi Asenuga described the payout as more than a financial transaction.

“Insurance is ultimately about trust. At Mutual Benefits, we understand that our relevance is not measured merely by policies sold, but by our ability to stand by customers when they need us most.”

He noted further that the consistent settlement of genuine claims reflects the company’s strong operational structure, disciplined underwriting approach and enduring commitment to policyholders across Nigeria.

Industry analysts have continued to emphasise the importance of prompt claims settlement in deepening insurance penetration and restoring public confidence in the sector.

A Lagos-based insurance and financial services analyst, Chinedu Okafor, stated that: “In a market where customers are increasingly demanding accountability and proof of value, insurers that consistently pay claims promptly will continue to earn long-term trust and market relevance.

Claims payment is the strongest form of marketing any insurance company can undertake.”

The latest payout comes at a critical period for Nigeria’s insurance industry, as operators continue to position for stronger financial capacity, operational efficiency and increased consumer confidence in line with ongoing recapitalisation conversations across the sector.

Mutual Benefits noted that while financial strength remains important, long-term sustainability in insurance is ultimately built on trust, service delivery and the ability to honour obligations consistently.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to improving customer experience, accelerating digital transformation, deepening insurance awareness and delivering innovative products tailored to the realities of individuals and businesses.

With over three decades of operations and a growing footprint across Nigeria, Mutual Benefits continues to position itself as a reliable partner for protection, wealth creation and peace of mind.

The post Mutual Benefits Settles Over ₦5.5bn Claims, Reinforces Customer Trust appeared first on Business Today NG.

News

Plateau Govt Declares War on Terrorists, Tightens Security Measures

Published

2 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Preport

The Plateau State Government has declared that the state is “at war with terrorists and enemies of the state” as it vowed to intensify efforts to tackle the wave of coordinated attacks recorded across the state over the past four months.

The declaration was made after an emergency meeting of the State Security Council convened by Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Tuesday at the Rayfield Government House in Jos.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, said the council reviewed the worsening security situation and adopted fresh measures aimed at protecting lives and property.

Jatau said the emergency session brought together members of the State Security Council, chairmen of the 17 local government areas and the Chairman of the Plateau State Joint Traditional Council, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba.

According to him, the council concluded that Plateau had come under sustained attacks in recent months, with clear signs of coordinated assaults across communities.

“The council identified and unanimously agreed that the state has been under siege in the last four months with evidence of coordinated attacks unleashed on the state,” he said.

To curb the insecurity, the council resolved to intensify enforcement of the ban on motorcycles, night grazing and illegal mining activities, which it described as factors fuelling insecurity.

The government also directed security agencies to reclaim all ungoverned areas and public spaces across the state.

Jatau disclosed that the government would immediately boost logistics support for security agencies through the provision of additional motorcycles and operational vehicles to strengthen security operations.

The council further stressed the need for stronger collaboration between local government security structures and host communities, noting that intelligence sharing and synergy must be improved.

On public order, the government warned that any group found blocking highways would henceforth be treated as engaging in criminal activity and would face the full weight of the law.

The council also pledged to ensure the protection of farmlands ahead of the farming season to guarantee the safety of farmers and agricultural activities.

Traditional institutions were equally urged to tighten control over cultural groups and associations operating under their supervision.

Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, Jatau declared, “Plateau State is in a state of war with terrorists and enemies of the state.”

He added that the government remained fully committed to protecting lives, property and communities across the state.

As part of broader security measures, the council also resolved to launch a crackdown on drug dealers, traffickers and substance abusers operating within Plateau State.