President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday made a U-turn, sacking the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Prof. Usman Yusuf, seven after he was recommended for dismissal.

The president had brushed aside a panel report which was set up by the Federal Ministry of Health in 2017 and recommended his dismissal following findings that Prof. Yusuf allegedly mismanaged N919m.

A similar panel had also been set by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapher which recommended Prof. Yusuf for dismissal last December over alleged fraud and other misdemeanors.

The Director, Media, Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs. Bode Akinola, said in a statement that the President had appointed Prof. Mohammed Sambo, as the new head of the NHIS.

The statement read in part, “Following the recommendations of report by an independent fact finding panel on the NHIS, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the termination of appointment of the Executive Secretary, Prof. Usman Yusuf, who has been on administrative leave and has approved the appointment of Prof. Mohammed Sambo as the new executive secretary.

“Similarly, the President also approved the dissolution of the governing board of the NHIS and directed the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health to exercise full powers of the Council, pending the constitution of a new board.

“President Buhari has also approved the appointment of Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu as Director –General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

The appointment is in line with the provisions of Section 11(1)(3) of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control(Establishment) Act, 2018.

The president’s action is expected to elicit reaction soon particularly from the circle of perceived enemies of Prof. Yusuf who had been accused by a former Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole of flexing muscle with him.