Breaking: Buhari ordersNHIS Boss Usman Yusuf Sent On Compulsory Leave
President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered Usman Yusuf, a Professor and Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), to immediately proceed on administrative leave.
This is in addition to the constitution of a seven-man panel to investigate the allegations levelled against him by the NHIS Governing Council.
Isaac Adewole, Minister of Health, first suspended Yusuf in June 2017, after an administrative panel found him guilty of allegations of gross misconduct, nepotism, financial recklessness and theft of public funds to the tune of N919million. In October, Adewole made the suspension indefinite pending action from President Muhammadu Buhari.
However, in February 2018, the President reinstated him, a letter from the President’s Chief of Staff to the Minister making no mention of the allegations against Yusuf but simply urging him to “work harmoniously with the Minister”.
On October 18, 2018, a second suspension was ordered for Yusuf by the NHIS board chaired by Dr. Enyantu Ifenne.
Yusuf ignored the order and tried to forcefully resume work days after, a move that polarised NHIS workers and suceeded after he was escortedto his office by 50 policemen.
Full statement…..
PRESS STATEMENT
RE: SUSPENSION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY (ES)
OF THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME (NHIS)
The Federal Government has found it necessary to restate that the objective for establishing Parastatals is in fulfillment of the need to deliver services to Nigerians faster and better. It has also considered it necessary to restate that the roles of Governing Boards/Councils, are as prescribed by the statutes, guidelines and extant circulars and that the position of Chief Executives of Parastatals is to ensure that policies of Government as ennunciated by Boards and Councils are implemented in accordance with their mandate.
2. It has however observed with deep concern the growing tension between Boards and Chief Executives and their attendant implications for governance. For the avoidance of doubt, government will neither tolerate acts of indiscipline from any appointee nor will it habour any acts of corruption. Government will however ensure that due process is followed strictly in trying to maintain discipline and probity in public service.
3. With specific reference to recent developments at the National Health Insurance Scheme, Mr. President has after due consideration approved the establishment of an independent fact-finding panel to investigate the alleged infractions by the Executive Secretary and report back within two weeks. The Membership of the Panel include:
(i) Dr. Hassan Bukar – Chairman
(ii) Dr. Emmanuel Meribole – Member
Director, HPRS, FMH
(iii) Mr. Adewale Owolo – Member
Director, Audit, (AuGF)
(iv) Mr. Shamsuddeen Bello, – Member
Deputy Director Expenditure (OAGF)
(v) Mr. Ishaq Yahaya – Member
Director, Certification & Compliance,
BPP
(vi) Dr. Ekanem John Udoh
Director of Science (FMS&T) – Member
(vii) Mrs. Jummai Idakwo – Member/Secretary
Director, Administration (OSGF)
TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)
(I) To 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;
(II) To make appropriate recommendations based on the findings from TOR I above;
(III) To identify, investigate and make recommendations with regards to issues that led to the unhealthy relationship between the Board and the CEO;
(IV) 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
(V) To examine all governance challenges in the NHIS and make appropriate recommendations.
4. The Panel which is headed by a retired Permanent Secretary will be inaugurated by the SGF on Friday, 2nd November, 2018 at 3.00p.m. in the conference Room of the OSGF. With the establishment of this Panel, the earlier body set up by the Governing Council stands dissolved.
5. In order to create room for an unfettered investigation, Mr. President has approved that the Executive Secretary of the NHIS, Prof. Usman Yusuf should proceed on administrative leave immediately. 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.
6. Government recognizes the importance of the Scheme as a strong mechanism for the delivery of public healthcare and wishes to re-assure all Nigerians of its determination to place high premium on public interest.
(Signed)
Olusegun A. Adekunle, Esq.
Permanent Secretary (General Services Office)
for: Secretary to the Government of the Federation
30th October, 2018
