FG bows to pressure, suspends NHIS boss, Yusuf

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Federal Government has finally bowed to pressure and ordered the embattled Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Prof. Usman Yusuf, to proceed on administrative leave immediately.
Yusuf has been a “man of interest” and cause of uproar since his suspension last year by the minister of Health, Isaac Adewole.
The government made the pronouncement in a statement issued yesterday by Olusegun A. Adekunle, Permanent Secretary (General Services Office) on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha.
In his absence, the statement said Mr. Ben Omogo, a Director of Administration in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has been deployed to oversee the affairs of the Scheme.
Also, the government also set up a seven-man panel to investigate the allegations levelled against him by the scheme’s Governing Council, which led to his recent controversial suspension.
It said the panel will investigate the alleged infractions listed by the NHIS Governing Council in letter dated 18th October, 2018 and determine the extent of culpability or otherwise of the Executive Secretary with regards to the allegations.
The statement added that the panel will make appropriate recommendations based on findings and will also identify, investigate and make recommendations with regards to issues that led to the unhealthy relationship between the Board and the CEO.
“Investigate and make recommendations on the extent of involvement of staff Unions’ within the institution as to the current impasse between the Governing Board and Executive Secretary; and examine all governance challenges in the NHIS and make appropriate recommendations,” the statement added.
Yusuf was suspended on Thursday, October 18 by the governing council of NHIS over allegations leveled against him.
But, Prof Yusuf who was suspended on Thursday, October 18 by the council to pave way for investigation of allegations levelled against him was however driven into his office at Utako by tight security.