Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole has suspended eight senior officials of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
THE PRECISION reportd that this development comes less than two weeks after the executive secretary of the agency, Usman Yusuf was sanctioned.
Mr Yusuf had rejected the action of the minister, saying only the president could take such step.
The newly suspended officials are Olufemi Akingbade, general manager, zonal coordinator south-south zone; John Okon, general manager, finance account; Yusuf Fatika, general manager, human resources and administration; and Shehu Adamu, assistant general manager, audit.
Others are Vincent Mamdam, assistant general manager, head insurance; Safiyanu Attah, senior assistant officer, marketing; Owen Udoma, senior manager, contribution management; and Innocent Abbah, senior assistant officer, planning research and monitoring.
According to a statement from the ministry and obtained by THE PRECISION, the suspension of the officers was based on 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, including security reports on maladministration and mismanagement by officials of the agency”.
The statement said the suspension was to pave way for thorough investigation.
Prof. Adewole urged the investigative committee to remain focused, fair and transparent in the discharge of this national task despite the sensation this development has generated.
Acting executive secretary of the scheme, Attahiru Ibrahim was directed to ensure the immediate implementation of the suspension order.
Mr Yusuf was suspended after his response to petitions written against him were “considered unsatisfactory”.
Since Mr Yusuf was appointed on July 29, 2016, he has been accused of violating every procurement law in the books and dishing out contracts to cronies.
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