Suspended Yobe PHC chief takes responsibility for diversion of food supplements

The Director of Primary Health Care (PHC) in Nangere Local Government Area of ​​Yobe State, Ibrahim Lawan, has accepted responsibility for the diversion of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) under his care.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state’s Primary Health Care Board suspended Mr Lawal for “diverting and misusing” food supplements.

Adamu Abba, spokesman for the junta, who announced the suspension on Wednesday in Damaturu, said a five-member committee had been set up to investigate the matter.

But reacting to the allegations in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Lawan said he and some PHC staff “actually tampered” with the therapeutic food supplements.

“In fact, I and some of my colleagues have altered some of the therapeutic food supplements, but the amount is not as much as they claim.

“The accusation was that he had diverted around 120 boxes. That is not true.

“However, I take responsibility for everything that happened since I was the leader at the time.

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“I call on the state government to moderate justice with clemency, since I have cooperated and facilitated their investigation,” he said.

NAN reports that the PHC board, while announcing the indefinite suspension of Mr Lawan, appointed Ibrahim Disa as acting director of the PHC in Nangere pending the outcome of the investigation.

The inquiry committee is also expected to recommend a strategy to ensure accountability in the distribution of supplements and other medical consumables.

NAN reports that RUTF is a highly nutritious packaged food supplement used in the treatment of children with severe and acute malnutrition.

(YAYA)