The NDC Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu says the approval of the new retirement package for former presidents is illegal. He said there was a breach in parliamentary procedures and since a wrong procedure cannot produce a legitimate outcome, the package must be reviewed. Mr. Iddrisu told Joy News’ Matilda Asante, a motion could not have been moved on the Chinery Hesse Committee report for adoption and approval by the House. According to the standing orders of the House, the report should have been laid before the House, referred to a Committee of the Whole, and then it is brought back for consideration, debate and approval but this was not done. The Tamale South MP said parliamentarians must accept responsibility for not doing due diligence and commit to reviewing the report. The Minority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu however disagreed with Haruna Iddrisu that there was a breach in Parliamentary procedures. According to him, the Standing Orders of the House allow it to deal with some reports in a close session which was done in the case of the package for retired presidents. He concedes the $1 million seed money for a foundation by ex-presidents and the two houses could be looked at again, emphasizing the need for sober reflection on the issue. A new retirement package for former President Kufuor recommended by a Chinery Hesse Committee has generated heated debate with many saying the package is a rip-off given the moribund economic status of the country. The report, said to have been approved by MPs, many of who deny ever seeing the document, recommends a former President should be given fully furnished residences that befit a former President at a place of his choice - one in Accra and another out of the national capital. In addition, the former President would be entitled among other privileges, to six fully maintained, comprehensively insured, fuelled and chauffeur-driven cars to be replaced every four years. The fleet comprises three salon cars, two cross-country vehicles and one all-purpose vehicle. But the general public has accused the political elite of insensitivity. Story by Malik Abass Daabu