Executive Secretary of National Health Insurance Scheme, Mr Usman Yusuf, suspended indefinitely by the governing council of NHIS on Thursday, resumed work on Friday, ignoring resolution of the council.

It was learnt that Yusuf resumed at the head office of the agency in Abuja around 10am to the surprise of members of staff.

In a memo with reference number NHIS/ES/091/1/192, signed by Yusuf and addressed to chairman of the council, Mrs Enyantu Ifenne, the Executive Secretary said only President Muhammadu Buhari could suspend him.

Citing sections 6, 7 and 8 of NHIS Act, Yusuf said the council only had the powers to manage the scheme and other related activities, adding that he had not even been informed of the petitions written against him.

The memo read in part, “As you are aware, by virtue of Section 8 of NHIS Act, my appointment, like yours, is at the instance of the President, while the council’s power of appointment is limited to directors and other employees of the scheme.

“It is, therefore, ultra vires of the council to suspend or purport to suspend me from office to the extent that the said suspension is the prerogative of Mr President.”

In her reaction, chairman of NHIS board acknowledged receipt of the memo on Friday.

Ifenne, however, expressed shock over Yusuf’s decision to defy the council.

She said, “Let those who hide under the cover of the Presidency to protect corruption know that Nigerians are keenly watching. I am convinced that if President Buhari is fully briefed about a tenth of Yusuf’s atrocities, he will throw him out.”

At a briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Ifenne had accused Yusuf of insubordination, fraud, arbitrariness and other corrupt practices.

She had announced his indefinite suspension and appointed Mr Sadiq Abubakar as acting Executive Secretary.

Punch