A statement purported to have been issued by the management of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has disclaimed yesterday’s suspension of the management of the organisation by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The purported statement from the NSITF, which is undated and unsigned by any officer of NSITF, entitled: “Buhari Did Not Sack NSITF Mgt, Minister Overreached Himself – NSITF Mgt.;” simply stated:
“The Management of NSITF read the press release published by some media outfits that the President has suspended the management of NSITF and announced same.
“We wish to state that President Muhammadu Buhari has not suspended the management of NSITF and did not make such announcement. The person mentioned in the media report is not a staff of the President.
“For clarity, we need to mention that we received a letter from the Hon Minister of Labour and Employment Sen Chris Ngige stating that he is doing a procurement audit on NSITF and that Management is suspended.
“We note that the Minister’s action is against President Buhari’s directive through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation that stated clearly that no Minister should suspend or sack any head of agency appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
“The memo stated that Ministers should follow procedures by going through the governing board of the agency that will now make recommendations to the SGF to act if there is need. We are sure that President Buhari will not be part of any illegality and lack of due process.
“Meanwhile, the management of NSITF is open to any form of investigation by the appropriate agency as there is nothing that the management will hide or is hiding. We have been in receipt of several letters by the minister and several petitions written against NSITF by the Minister of Labour, Sen Chris Ngige and we will make all communications available to the public and relevant authorities.
“The Management of NSITF is still discharging its duty as appointed by Mr President.
“NSITF Management.”
Presidency, Ministry React
When contacted via a text message for the reaction of the Presidency to the brewing controversy, Mallam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, stated: “If I get to know what is happening, I will talk to you.” Up till the time of going to press, there was no further communication from Mallam Shehu.
On his for response to the disclaimer purported to have been issued by “NSITF Management”, Charles Akpan, Deputy Director/Head (Press and Public Relations) of the Ministry of Labour simply said: “We cannot say anything; the position of the Ministry has already been given.”
Calls to the official communication telephone number of the NSITF rang out unpicked while an email of inquiry sent to its official email address was not responded to as at the time of going to press.
