NHIS: FG set up panel to probe Yusuf

* orders him to go on leave

The Federal Government has set up a seven-man panel to investigate the alleged infractions listed by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Governing Council against the embattled Executive Secretary of the agency, Prof. Usman Yusuf.

There has been a running battle between Yusuf and the Dr. Eyantu Ifenne-led NHIS Governing Council, over allegation and counter-allegations of corruption and high-handedness which have led to Prof. Yusuf rejecting his suspension by the board.

In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Gida Mustapha, said the panel with a six-point Term of Reference (ToR) should determine the extent of culpability or otherwise of the Executive Secretary with regards to the allegations and report back in two weeks.

According to him, the objective for establishing Parastatals is in fulfilment of the need to deliver services to Nigerians faster and better and 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 enunciated by Boards and Councils are implemented in accordance with their mandate.

Mustapha’s statement was signed on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Office of the Secretary to the Government or the Federation (OSGF) Olusegun A. Adekunle.

“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,” the statement read.

The panel members are the immediate former permanent secretary in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Bukar Hassan; Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, Director, HPRS, FMH; Mr. Adewale Owolo, Director, Audit, (AuGF); Mr. Shamsuddeen Bello, Deputy Director Expenditure (OAGF); Mr. Ishaq Yahaya, Director, Certification and Compliance, BPP; Dr. Ekanem John Udoh, Director of Science (FMS&T); and Mrs. Jummai Idakwo, Director, Administration (OSGF).