Ad image

Alleged corruption: Buhari sends Yusuf, NHIS boss on leave, sets up probe panel

Ezekiel Johnson
Ezekiel Johnson
Alleged corruption: Buhari sends Yusuf, NHIS boss on leave, sets up probe panel
Usman Yusuf, NHIS Boss

The Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, Usman Yusuf, has been sent on  leave over alleged cases of financial malpractices against him.

The leave and setting up of a panel to probe the allegations against him were approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.

A Director in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Ben Omogo, has been directed to act in the absence of Yusuf.

Yusuf was suspended indefinitely about two weeks ago.

His suspension was handed down by the governing council of the NHIS, led by Mrs. Ifenne Enyenatu.

The suspension was to allow for a thorough investigation of allegation of financial malpractices against him.

But a day after he was suspended, Yusuf forced his way into office.

His return has since caused protests at the NHIS.

But in a new twist to the case, an independent panel was said to have been set up to look into the case.

The panel is headed by Hassan Bukar.

The action of the government was announced by the Permanent Secretary (General Services Office) for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Olusegun Adekunle, on Wednesday.

He said the order for Yusuf to proceed on leave was to prevent interference.

The statement issued by Adekunle reads:  “The federal government has 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 harbour any acts of corruption. Government will however ensure that due process is followed strictly in trying to maintain discipline and probity in public service.

“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.”

Share this Article
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *