Buhari sacks NSITF boss

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Michael Akabogu has been relieved of his appointment.

The reason for the development was yet to be made public but it was learnt that his sack was not unconnected with alleged forgery of his National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) Discharge Certificate.

An impeccable source at the fund, who confirmed this to Daily Trust said he was asked to step aside pending conclusion of an investigation being carried out by the police.

“Yes, he has been asked to step aside,” an official of the fund, who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent.

“I am directed to inform you that Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari in the exercise of his powers under Section 8 of the NSITF Act has directed the removal from office of Dr. Michael Akabogu as the Managing Director/CE of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) with effect from Friday, 3rd February 2023.

“Subsequently, the Executive Director Administration of the Fund – Barr. (Mrs.) Maureen Allagoa has been directed to take charge of the affairs of the Fund.

“Furthermore, this information should be communicated to the staff of your various Departments/Units, Regions and Branches,” an internal memo signed by the Executive Director of Operations of the agency, Gabriel Iwelunmor read.

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A whistleblower had in 2022 petitioned the police, alleging that the sacked NSITF boss was parading a fake NYSC Discharge Certificate with Number: A030544.

The police subsequently invited Akabogu for questioning after the authority of NYSC denied issuing the fake NYSC discharge certificate.

He had claimed he was mobilised for the compulsory one-year Service, vide NO. OG/ FUTO/ 91/23402 for the first Batch from the 4th of October 1991 to the 3rd of October, 1992.

Investigation however revealed that Akabogu’s discharge NYSC certificate bearing number A030544 was allegedly forged and the first batch of 1991 corps members were mobilised on the 16th of September, 1991 and discharged/passed out on 15th of September 1992 as against the claims of Akabogu that he was mobilised for the first batch from 4th, October, 1991 to 3rd October 1992.

The spokesperson for the fund, Mrs Ijeoma Oji-Okoronkwo could not be reached for comment as of when filing this report as calls to her mobile indicated “Switched off”.