Pres. Jonathan Sacks CEO of National Health Insurance Scheme Femi Thomas

President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday relieved the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Femi Thomas, of his appointment, with immediate effect.

The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, who confirmed this development to State House correspondents in Abuja, said the president had also approved the appointment of Olufemi Akingbade as acting Executive Secretary of the organisation.

“President Goodluck Jonathan has relieved the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Dr Femi Thomas, of his appointment with immediate effect. The president has also approved the appointment of Mr Olufemi Akingbade as acting Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the NHIS,” Abati said.

“Mr Akingbade, who hailed from Ekiti and holds a bachelor degree in Computer Science as well as a Master in business administration, was the General Manager, ICT, in the NHIS before his new appointment.’’

Abati said that the President had also confirmed the appointment of Alhaji Munir Gwarzo as the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

According to him, Gwarzo, who has been acting as Director-General of the commission, was appointed to the board of SEC as Executive Commissioner in January 2013.

He said the president also approved the appointment of former Governor of Anambra, Mr Peter Obi, as Chairman of the board of SEC.

Abati also refuted media reports that Nigeria had recalled its envoy in South Africa. He said Nigeria only invited its acting High Commissioner in South Africa for consultation.