The Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Usman Yusuf, has been suspended indefinitely by the governing council.
The chairperson of the NHIS governing council, Ifenne Enyanatu announced the suspension at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday after a two-day closed door meeting.
Mallam Sadiq Abubakar has been appointed to act in his place.
This would not be the first time that Prof. Yusuf is placed on suspension.
In July last year, the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole placed him on suspension to allow administrative investigation following a directive from the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, then Acting President. โThat he (Yusuf) be investigated over many allegations of mismanagement against the Executive Secretary.โ
He was however reinstated by the president without any recourse to the suspension and the allegations in February this year.
The latest suspension, Enyanatu argued was based on various petitions and infractions against the EX.
Consequently, she said an administrative panel would be set up to examine allegations leveled against Mr. Yusuf.
The panel she said, would have three months to complete itโs assignment and report back to the council.
The reason for the suspension, she said is to allow the panel an โinfettedโ space to do a thorough investigation.
โWe consulted and got the approval of the honorable Minister of Health before this suspension.โ
