Reinstatement won’t stop probe of NHIS ES, says FG

The federal government says the reinstatement of Usman Yusuf, executive secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), will not affect the investigation of allegations levelled against him.

Lai Mohammed, minister of information, said this while fielding question from state house correspondents at the end of the weekly federal executive council meeting.

President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the recall of the 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. The minister said the investigative committee found Yusuf culpable in the discharge of his responsibilities.

The executive seretary had challenged the authority of Adewole, arguing that only Buhari could take such action against him.

The news of Yusuf’s reinstatement broke on Tuesday.

Mohammed told reporters that Yusuf’s recall would not affect 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 is 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.”

Before the commencement of the meeting, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo was seen discussing with Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation;  Suleiman Adamu, minister of water resources; Isaac Adewole, minister of health in what seems to be connected with the reinstatement of Yusuf.

Adewole was seen gesticulating while Osinbajo and others paid attention.