An Associate Professor of Chemical Pathology, Huseini Wiisibie Alidu, has dismissed recent criticisms directed at former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu over the double salary saga, describing them as “useless as dry vapour thrown at the shark.”
In a strongly worded statement, Prof Alidu argued that the controversy surrounding the alleged double salary payments to some Members of Parliament, including Haruna Iddrisu, was politically motivated and legally unsubstantial. He stated that the accusations were part of a calculated attempt by the then-government to embarrass opposition MPs, noting that the matter “wouldn’t even have gone anywhere in court.”
“First of all, they didn’t pay themselves the double salary,” Prof Alidu explained. “Secondly, double salary in public service is a frequent occurrence, and there are channels to deal with and rectify it.”
Drawing from personal experience, he recounted a situation where he received double salary due to administrative overlap between his university and the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD). He emphasized that such instances are typically resolved through reconciliation and repayment, not criminal prosecution.
Prof Alidu further noted that proving criminal intent in such cases is legally complex, requiring evidence beyond reasonable doubt. He said the government eventually opted for an internal resolution, allowing affected MPs to refund the excess payments rather than pursue court action.
While acknowledging that Haruna Iddrisu is not without fault, Prof Alidu cautioned against criticism rooted in envy. “Just don’t do it out of naked jealousy,” he said, adding that exceptional leadership often attracts unfair scrutiny from those unable to match its impact.
He concluded by urging critics to focus on substantive issues rather than what he termed “convenient criticism,” asserting that the double salary saga was “legally a storm in a tea cup.”
