PDP knocks Presidency over alleged fresh N10bn NHIS scam

Agency ReporterFebruary 19, 2018

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has knocked the Presidency over another N10 billion scam at the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), allegedly perpetrated under the watch of the Executive Secretary, Prof. Usman Yusuf.

In a statement Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party wondered why a government that claims to be fighting corruption would continue to condone glaring acts of corruption right under its nose.

It said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Presidency has no honour for concealing a N10 billion theft perpetrated by the headship of the agency. The money was allegedly withdrawn from contributions by subscribers to the NHIS.

The party added that the nation is being shoved to the precipice as the Presidency’s incompetence has continued to manifest in the daily activities of government.

The PDP also described as the height of official hypocrisy for a government that is superintending over illegal withdrawals and outright stealing of funds meant for the welfare of the people yet brashly parading itself as champion of anti-corruption.

The statement said, “It was shocking that the NHIS money was siphoned through the Federal Government Treasury Single Account (TSA) in the Central Bank of Nigeria, which is under the direct purview of the Presidency.

“The only reason for the concealment was because the Presidency was complicit, while the stolen fund is being used to service an anti-people cabal brazenly operating in the Buhari-led Presidency.

“Nigerians can now see the level of debauchery associated with this administration. It is appalling that a government can be so depraved that it superintended over the stealing of money meant to provide healthcare for the citizens.

“We challenge the Presidency to speak out on this report as well as similar reported sleazes that have occurred under its watch.

“Who in the Presidency authorized the withdrawal of the money from the TSA and who are the beneficiaries thereof?

“What has the Presidency to say about revelations that it ordered the reinstatement of the indicted Executive Secretary of the NHIS, Prof. Yusuf Usman, to help conceal this illegal withdrawals and shield members of the presidency cabals involved in the deal?

“Until and unless the Presidency clears its name by investigating, exposing and prosecuting those involved, it must directly be held responsible for this wicked act against Nigerians, who daily suffer hunger, depravation and death owing to the corruption in the APC government”.

The opposition party also drew the attention of Nigerians and the international community to the refusal of the Buhari Presidency to act on a leaked memo showing corrupt oil contracts at the NNPC to the tune of N9 trillion ($25billion dollars) in a sector under President Buhari’s direct supervision as Minister of Petroleum.

“The Presidency has also failed to offer explanations on the alleged involvement of its officials in various sneaky oil subsidy deals as well as reported diversion of N1.1trillion worth of crude last year to service APC interests.

“Nigerians are aware that the Presidency has continued to shield fraudulent cabinet ministers, including those known for extorting funds from agencies under them in addition to those indicted for corrupt enrichment. Indeed, this government stinks and has irredeemably lost all honour”, the party added.