Buhari orders probe of NHIS executive secretary

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday ordered a probe into the allegations of fraud rocking the embattled Executive Secretary of National Health Insurance Scheme, Prof Usman Yusuf.

He has also ordered Yusuf to proceed on administrative leave with immediate effect to allow an unfettered investigation into his activities at NHIS.

Accordingly, the President has approved the constitution of seven-man probe panel to investigate the alleged infractions listed by the NHIS Governing Council in a letter dated 18th October 2018 and determine the extent of culpability or otherwise of the Executive Secretary with regards to the allegations.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha conveyed this in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office in SGF office, Mr Olusegun A. Adekunle and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

SGF said in the absence of Yusu, 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.

He said Federal Government has found it necessary to restate that the objective for establishing Parastatals is in fulfilment of the need to deliver services to Nigerians faster and better.

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Mustapha added that government 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 enunciated by Boards and Councils are implemented in accordance with their mandate.

He, however, observed with deep concern the growing tension between Boards and Chief Executives and their attendant implications for governance.

He said: “For the avoidance of doubt, the 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,” he said.

The Membership of the Panel include:

Dr Hassan Bukar who will serve as chairman and Mrs Jummai Idakwo, a Director Administration SGF office to serve as member and Secretary.

Other members are Dr Emmanuel Meribole, Director, HPRS, FMH: Mr Adewale Owolo, Director, Audit, (AuGF): Mr Shamsuddeen Bello, Deputy Director Expenditure (OAGF): Mr Ishaq Yahaya, Director, Certification & Compliance,
BPP and Dr Ekanem John Udoh, Director of Science (FMS&T).

The terms of reference according to the statement are: “To investigate the alleged infractions listed by the NHIS Governing Council in a letter dated 18th October 2018 and determine the extent of culpability or otherwise of the Executive Secretary with regards to the allegations;

“To make appropriate recommendations based on the findings from TOR I above;

“To identify, investigate and make recommendations with regards to issues that led to the unhealthy relationship between the Board and the CEO;

“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

“To examine all governance challenges in the NHIS and make appropriate recommendations.

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.

SGF said with the establishment of this Panel, the earlier body set up by the Governing Council stands dissolved.

He said government recognized the importance of the Scheme as a strong mechanism for the delivery of public healthcare and re-assured all Nigerians of its determination to place a high premium on public interest.