At Last, Federal Government Sets Up Panel To Probe Prof Yusuf’s Infractions In NHIS

BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – After weeks of foot dragging, the Federal Government on Wednesday finally constituted a seven man panel to an independent fact-finding panel to investigate the alleged infractions by the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Usman Yusuf and report back within two weeks.

The government said in order to create room for an unfettered investigation, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved that the Executive Secretary of the NHIS, Prof. Usman Yusuf should proceed on administrative leave immediately. 

While Prof Yusuf is on administrative leave, 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.

Similarly, the government said with the establishment of the probe panel, the earlier body set up by the Governing Council stands dissolved.   

A statement by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said the constitution of the probe panel was reached after due consideration by President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that for the avoidance of doubt, the government will neither tolerate acts of indiscipline from any appointee nor will it habour any acts of corruption. 

The statement which was signed by the Permanent Secretary (General Services Office), Mr. Olusegun A. Adekunle explained that Government will however ensure that due process is followed strictly in trying to maintain discipline and probity in public service.

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

It further states; “It 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 ennunciated by Boards and Councils are implemented in accordance with their mandate.” 

The Federal Government observed with deep concern, the growing tension between Boards and Chief Executives and their attendant implications for governance, stressing that 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.

Membership of the Panel include Dr. Hassan Bukar – Chairman with Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, Director in the Federal Ministry of Health and Mr. Adewale Owolo – Director, Audit in AuGF as members.

Other members are Mr. Shamsuddeen Bello, who is a Deputy Director Expenditure in OAGF, Mr. Ishaq Yahaya – Director, Certification & Compliance in BPP, Dr. Ekanem John Udoh – Director of Science (FMS&T) and Mrs. Jummai Idakwo, Director of Administration in the OSGF, who would serve as member/Secretary

The Terms of Reference (TOR) of the Committee include to investigate the alleged infractions listed by the NHIS Governing Council in letter dated 18th October, 2018 and determine the extent of culpability or otherwise of the Executive Secretary with regards to the allegations;

The probe panel is also to make appropriate recommendations based on the findings as well as to identify, investigate and make recommendations with regards to issues that led to the unhealthy relationship between the Board and the CEO;

It is also to 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, November 2, 2018 at 3.00p.m. in the conference Room of the OSGF.   

The Federal Government said that it recognizes the importance of the Scheme as a strong mechanism for the delivery of public healthcare and wishes to re-assure all Nigerians of its determination to place high premium on public interest.