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Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has directed the suspension of eight officers of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) with immediate effect.
This comes even as investigations into alleged corrupt practices of suspended NHIS Executive Secretary, Prof. Usman Yusuf.
A statement released by the director Media and Public Relations of the ministry, Mrs. Boade Akinola on Monday in Abuja, explained that the suspension of the affected officers was to allow for a transparent investigative process by the committee set up by the ministry to look into the allegations levelled against Yusuf.
Acting Executive Secretary of the scheme, Mr. Attahiru Ibrahim has been directed to ensure an immediate implementation of the suspension order.
The statement read: “In furtherance to the activities of the investigative panel of inquiry and the desire to have an uninterrupted and robust investigation of all petitions at the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), including Security reports on Maladministration and Mismanagement by officials of the Agency, the Honourable Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole has approved the suspension of the following officers, in order to pave way for thorough investigation.
“The affected officers are; Mr. Olufemi Akingbade, General Manger Zonal Coordinator South- South Zone, Mr. John Okon, General Manger Finance Account, Mr. Yusuf Fatika, General Manger, Human Resources and Administration, Mr. Shehu Adamu, Assistant General Manager Audit.
Others include; “Mr. Vincent Mamdam, Assistant General Manager, Head Insurance, Mr. Safiyanu Attah, Senior Assistant Officer Marketing, Mr. Owen Udo Udoma, Senior Manager Contribution Management and Mr. Innocent Abbah, Senior Assistant Officer Planning Research and Monitoring.”
The minister urged the committee to remain focused, fair and transparent in the discharge of this national task despite the sensation this development has generated.
Meanwhile, armed policemen this morning took over the building of the NHIS over alleged plans by the suspended Yusuf to sit tight in office.
He had earlier said the minister had no powers to suspend him as he was appointed by the Presidency.
