Martin Amidu Angry Over Builsa Joke

Nominee for the position of Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu displayed his ‘no nonsense’ character in Parliament yesterday by taking offence and strongly registering his anger at a joke made at him by the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu.

Mr. Iddrisu, while laughing, had asked whether Mr. Amidu would want to “settle [a matter] the Builsa way”, a common tribal joke which is understood to mean settling a disagreement by beating up an opponent instead of through dialogue.

Unknown to Haruna Iddrisu, his comment has stepped on the raw nerves of Mr. Amidu who responded in a raised voice while pointing his fists skywards.

The Committee Chairman Joe Osei Owusu directed that the Minority Leader’s comments be expunged from the records.

Haruna Iddrisu eventually explained he was only sharing a well-known joke but has decided to withdraw and apologize because Mr. Amidu took offence.

Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul, also explained he saw the comment from Mr. Iddrisu has been a common joke he himself has used several times and was surprised.

Mr. Amidu, stated that he accepted his appointment by the President to enable the ordinary people of Ghana to benefit from the resources of the country.

According to him, is aimed at stopping the wanton, the slippages and leakages of the national resources.

Mr. Amidu who stated this when he appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee said when the slippages and leakages are blocked, the nation would not have to depend on aid for her survival.

He said his aim is to set up a credible institution that would stop the excesses to prevent foreign aid.

“I want to be able to setup a credible institution with a credible culture. If I am able to do that to prevent slippage and leakages, we won’t need foreign aid” he said.

Defence Of The Constitution

The nominee stated that he is a constitutional defence activist and will continue to work at protecting the public purse.

When referred to several write ups about his partiality towards the former Mahama government, Mr. Amidu said he was only against that which was against the national interest.

Independence

On how independence his appointment as Special Prosecutor would be, the nominee said every lawyer is expected to be an independent consultant under the legal laws of the land and should not be subjected to the dictates of the Attorney General or any other.

He stated that any Prosecutor who chooses who he Prosecutes based on biases is not a Prosecutor and said prosecution is delivering service to the nation.

He assured that politics would not come in his work.

Strong Institutions

According to him the way forward for curbing corruption is to strengthen institutions.

He not that the establishment of credible institutions that does not take political instructions will reduce corruption significantly.

Support From Ghanaians

The nominee asked Ghanaians to support his office in the discharge of its duties.

He called on Ghanaians to help guard against political interference in the discharge of duties.

He stated the OSP would not be a rumour mills which would become inundated with so many cases.

Living In Harmony

When the committee referred the nominee to his previous written document on living in in harmony with others, he stated that he can only live in harmony with decent people but not with criminals.

Protecting Accused Individuals

Mr. Martin Amidu stated that his office will protect individuals being investigated to prevent trial in the media before they are tried by the court and assured not to be vindictive.

NDC Membership

According to him the Criminal code of Ghana requires neutrality from Public Office holders and that he will be guided as such.

He said he became neutral from the day the President announced his nomination on January, 11, 2018.

He stated that he does not need a formal resignation from the NDC by his mere nomination as potential Office holder.

Principles Of Nominee

When several critics of the nominee against the setting up of the Office of the Special Prosecutor were brought bare, Mr. Amidu said he accepted to help stop corruption now but not postponed it further.

On whether the nominee will consider reciting the prosecution of cases such as Isofoton and Waterville which has milk the nation of several dollars, the nominee said it should not be the duty of SP.

He however noted it is possible if a complaint is filled to that effect.

Questions

The nominee answered questions on his Curriculum Vitae (CV), professional qualifications, employment history, his claims both spoken written and critics, Isofoton, Waterville and Woyome cases, vigilanteeism exploits among others.

By: Christian Kpesese/ thePublisher