NHIS Scandal: Buhari orders Executive Secretary Usman Yusuf to Proceed On ‘Administrative Leave’
In the past few weeks, there had been allegations of fraud and mismanagement of funds by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). In response to this allegations, the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Usman Yusuf has been directed by President Muhammed Buhari to go on an administrative leave on November 5.
This directive was conveyed to the recipient in a letter signed by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha. The letter was signed by the permanent secretary in the office, Olusegun Adekunle.
According to Mr. Adekunle, this will allow unfettered investigation into allegations of financial malfeasance and infractions leveled against the Executive Secretary of NHIS, Usman Yusuf by the stakeholders and the governing council of the institution.
“In his absence, 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,” he added.
Furthermore, a seven-man panel has been set up to carry out intensive investigation into the allegations leveled against Mr. Yusuf. The panel has two weeks to submit a report on the investigation. The panel’s mission includes investigating the allegations leveled against Mr. Yusuf and determine his role in the issue.
In addition to this, they are required to provide make recommendations and investigate the issues that led to frosty relations between the Executive Secretary and the Governing Council. The formal inauguration of the committee has been slated for November 2 at the SGF office.
It was reported that similar allegations were leveled against Mr. Yusuf in 2016 which also led to his suspension from the institution. In both cases, he questioned the authority of the governing council and the minister to suspend him.
