FG reacts to backlash over reinstatement of NHIS boss, says he’s still open to probe

The Federal Government has reacted to the mounting backlash that trailed the reinstatement of Usman Yusuf, Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), stating that the move would not affect the investigation of allegations levelled against him.

Lai Mohammaed, Minister of Information, said this while fielding questions from State House correspondents at the end of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the recall of the NHIS ES who had been suspended following allegations of gross misconduct.

Isaac Adewole, Minister of Health, had set up a committee to probe the NHIS ES, eventually revealing that the investigative committee found Yusuf culpable in the discharge of his responsibilities.

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Throughout the controversy, Yusuf had challenged the authority of Adewole, arguing that only Buhari could take such action against him.

Mohammed told reporters that Yusuf’s recall would not affect any ongoing investigation.

“I am not aware that the EFCC is investigating the recently reinstated Executive Secretary of NHIS but if that is the case I don’t think his reinstatement is a bar to any investigation,” he said.

When asked why he said he was not aware that the NHIS ES was under investigation, he said, “I didn’t say I’m not aware of his investigation. I was precise I said I am not aware that the EFCC is investigating him and that if it is true, that the fact that he has been reinstated does not mean a stop to it. That is what I said.

“I am not saying I’m not aware that he was suspended or any investigation is going on. The fact that he has been reinstated does not mean that the EFCC will not continue with its investigation, that is what I said.”

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