By Ayo Alonge
The Federal Ministry of Health has insisted that the suspension of the embattled Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Usman Yusuf, stands.
Yusuf had in a letter, issued recently, and addressed to the Health Minister, Isaac Adewole, listed reasons why he would not obey the suspension order. However, in a swift reaction, the ministry in a press statement signed by the health ministry’s spokesperson, Boade Akinola, and issued recently, said it dissociates itself from Mr. Yusuf’s letter.
According to the statement, the suspension stands so long as the corruption allegations levied against Yusuf linger.
“Mr. Yusuf, being a public officer, is bound by the regulations governing the Public Service.
“The NHIS is an agency supervised by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Administrative Panel of Inquiry raised by the Ministry to investigate activities of the agency has commenced its assignment with specific terms of reference.
“Mr. Yusuf was suspended by the minister for three months to allow for unhindered investigations into corruption allegations levelled against him.
His response to his July 6 suspension was sent same day the House of Representatives ordered his reinstatement, a directive that is not binding on the health ministry,” said Akinola.