TheCable

Two labour unions have insisted on the suspension of Usman Yusuf, executive secretary of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), by the governing council of the organisation.

The unions are the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), and Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN).

On October 18, the council suspended Yusuf indefinitely on allegations of financial infractions.

Enantu Ifenna, chairman of the council, said the executive secretary refused to carry out the board’s decisions on critical issues and institutionalised corruption at the agency.

However, the suspended executive secretary resumed duty.

Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), said the boards and councils have no power to suspend any chief executive appointed by the president.

But speaking with NAN on Tuesday, Abdulrazak Omomaji, chairman of ASCSN, said the act establishing the NHIS was unique and it gives the council the powers to suspend the executive secretary.

“I want to clarify that the act which establishes the NHIS is different from the other government parastatals which are guided by boards and directors,” Omomaji said.

“The governing council of the NHIS however acted within its jurisdiction, they are the chief security officer of the organisation and have the powers to discipline and suspend.

“Let it be clear that council has not removed Prof. Usman Yusuf, but has asked him to step aside for investigations after which findings will be forwarded to the minister of health.

“Council is therefore in order, and we shall continue with the protest as we await government’s reaction.”