NHIS: Reps call for investigation of Yusuf’s suspension

The House of Representatives on Tuesday has passed a motion to investigate the crisis at the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS.

The resolution came following a motion of urgent national importance moved by a member from Bayelsa State, Mr. Diri Douye.

The session was presided over by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara.

Douye while debating his motion on Tuesday described the NHIS as “theatre of war.”

Recalling how Yusuf was twice queried earlier in the year by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, Douye said “Part of the query was that he spent N17million on a trip outside the country. He was suspended but he was surprisingly recalled by the Presidency.

”Let us investigate this crisis and the operations of the NHIS as our country is becoming a banana republic.”

A member from Plateau State, Mr Edward Pwajok (SAN) also speaking called on the Ad hoc committee to investigate whether the Council had the powers to suspend the Executive Secretary.

“The law provides that Mr President shall appoint the ES on the advice of the Minister of Health according to Section 8 of the constitutional act.

“It is the person who appoints that can also suspend. The committee should first look deeply into this area as well,” Pwajok said.

At the end of the plenary, an ad hoc committee of the House was empowered to conduct the investigation within four weeks.

The committee will thereafter summon Adewole, Yusuf and Ifenne to appear and testify at the National Assembly.