The Governing Council of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has for the second time in two years suspended its Executive Secretary, Professor Usman Yusuf over alleged infractions and misconduct.

Yusuf’s suspension was announced in a statement issued at a press briefing by the Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Eyantu Efene in Abuja on Thursday. Yusuf has however denied the allegations levelled against him.

In the letter of suspension, the Council said having reviewed the alleged infractions and petitions levelled against Yusuf, it relied on the provisions of the powers granted the Council in the NHIS Act in Part 11, Section 6 (i) which empowers it to do ‘such other things as are necessary or expedient for the purpose of achieving the objectives of the Scheme set out in this Act’.

“The Council has noted these infractions as serious misconducts and in line with the public service rule 030406, has resolved to suspend you, Professor Usman Yusuf, indefinitely with effect from 18th October 2018 to allow for a comprehensive and unfettered investigation of the issues in the petitions against you,” the letter read.

According to the Council, some of the infractions by Prof. Yusuf include alleged inflation of the procurement cost of biometric capturing machines, attempt to illegally execute a ₦30 billion investment in FGN bonus, unlawful staff posting, willful defiance of council directives and superfluous arrogation of project vehicles.

Yusuf, who was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari on July 29, 2016 was suspended by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole on July 6, 2017 over allegations of corruption. He was however reinstated by Buhari on February 7, 2018.

When Dr. Efene was asked during the press briefing if the Council has such powers to suspend the Executive Secretary, she said they had consulted and received approval from the Health Minister.

She added that the Minister has approved the setting up of an administrative panel to investigate the matter and submit its report within three months.

The Council has also appointed the General Manager of its Legal department, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Adamu as Acting Executive Secretary pending the conclusion of investigations.