Face-off over reinstatement of ‘corrupt’ NHIS boss continues as Police takeover headquarters

Policemen have been drafted to the headquarters of the National Health Insurance Scheme, in Jabi area of Abuja, ostensibly to prevent further protest by the workers of the institution.

NHIS workers had staged a protest against the reinstated Executive Secretary of the NHIS, Prof. Yusuf Usman, as he resumed work last Thursday

The staff, under the aegis of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, led by Branch Chairman, Mr. Razak Omomeji, called out its members to express their rejection of President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to return the executive secretary to his seat.

Omomeji, who vowed that the staff would continue the protest until Usman was removed, said: “Yusuf has bastardised the scheme and his return would only worsen affairs at the agency.

“EFCC is investigating him and President Buhari should allow the investigation be concluded and the report made public before recalling him.”

Read also: Pastor, cohort arrested for robbery

Usman had been suspended from office by Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, following an indictment by an administrative panel, which found him culpable of mismanaging NHIS funds, totaling N919 million and gross insubordination.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was also investigating him, as at the time he was issued a letter by the presidency to resume his duties.

It is believed the workers planned to continue their protests today (Monday) to press home their grievances over the resumption of Usman.

But armed policemen took over the NHIS premises, after receiving reports that workers of the agency plan to heighten their protest against the reinstatement of Usman.

 

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now