Ombudsman Commission (OC)

Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen said good moral and ethical standards in leaders are a real problem in the country today.

“The Ombudsman Commission statistics show more than 100 leaders from different sectors of the government have been investigated and referred to the Public Prosecutor for prosecution since independence,” Pagen said.

“There is a need to elect good leaders during the upcoming National Election in 2022,” he added.

Mr Kaluwin explained that the process is such that the Ombudsman Commission investigates allegations against the leader’s misconduct based on complaints by the public. If sufficient evidence is found the matter is referred to the Public Prosecutor to assess and conduct its own investigations.

Kaluwin told Looppng this morning, “I have not received anything from the Ombudsman”.

At yesterday’s media conference, Minister Kramer described the 14 allegations levelled against him by the OC as “ridiculous”.

The call was made in the media statement, regarding mandatory vaccination imposed by private sector. 

The Ombudsman Commission has noted with concern that more and more organisations, especially the private sector, have imposed ‘No Jab, No Job’ policies in their workplaces which the Commission believes borders on the rights of citizens who have chosen not to be vaccinated. 

In a statement by OC, the alleged misconduct arises from breaches of his duties and responsibilities of office as required under Section 27 of the Constitution and Section 4 of the Organic Law and Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership.

The member has been informed of the OC’s intention to refer the matter to the Public Prosecutor as required under section 20 (2) of the Organic Law on Duties and Responsibilities.

The Ombudsman Commission said after investigations, it is now satisfied that there is a prima facie case against Seymour for misconduct in office.

The OC office doors in Port Moresby and Lae were locked by the landlord last Friday because of non-payment of rental bills.                            

The closure has also affected the public counter to lodge complaints against people holding public office who are suspected of breaking the leadership code.        

The Chief Ombudsman said outstanding rental payments of K975,000 had already been paid by the Finance Department and expects the office to be opened after confirmation by the landlord.  

The Speaker of Parliament, the Attorney General, Electoral Commission and chairman of the Constitutional Law and Reforms Commission, are to be served the reference by February 16.

The Commission must serve the reference on the four parties, including an application seeking interim orders. If these parties are interested in the reference, they are to file responding statements by February 21.

Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia issued the directions to Ombudsman Commission’s counsel Dr Vergil Narokobi today.

The OC says it is taking this approach as a proactive measure in educating voters on good leadership qualities to help voters make a sound judgement when casting their votes.

Intending candidates will also be included in the awareness on good leadership virtues.  

Voters and intending candidates will also be educated on the importance of a fair and free election process - that voters must be allowed to freely exercise their rights to vote for candidates of their choice.

The Pre-Election Awareness Program will be launched on Monday.