NHIS: Union Protests Suspension Of Prof. Yusuf

Reports just reaching THE WHISTLER have it that workers’ union of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), on Friday, protested the purported indefinite suspension of Prof. Usman Yusuf as the Executive Secretary of NHIS by the Scheme’s Governing Council.

Recall that the Council had announced Yusuf’s suspension on Thursday, citing allegations of “infractions” levelled against him in some petitions brought before it.

In a letter signed by its Chairman, Dr Eyantu Ifenne, the Council said “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 Council had consequently ordered Yusuf to hand over his position to his most senior subordinate.

But the move was greeted with protest on Friday as the Scheme’s workers’ union deemed Yusuf’s suspension as illegal.

THE WHISTLER equally gathered that the most senior director in the NHIS who was directed by the Governing Council to take over from the Executive Secretary declined the offer, describing it unlawful.

Our correspondent further learnt that out of about 11 directors at the meeting where the Council decided to suspend Professor Yusuf, seven of them declined to support the move to suspend the ES because the suspension did not follow due process.

Meanwhile, in a reply to the Council on Friday, the Executive Secretary described his suspension as null and void, saying the council lacked the powers to suspend him from office. Yusuf said as a presidential appointee, only President Muhammadu Buhari has the privilege to suspend or remove him from office.