Somare calls for more support for Ombudsman Commision

Senior Statesman, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, says the Ombudsman Commission must be adequately resources with the right staff and finance, to enable the Commission to continue providing its mandated function without fear and favor.

The East Sepik Governor said this at the 40th Anniversary Celebrations of the Ombudsman Commission in Port Moresby yesterday.

Grand Chief Sir Michael said, the Ombudsman Commission plays an important role in ensuring that political leaders, do not abuse their position and power, but perform instead for the greater good of the nation and the people, therefore should be guarded and maintained at all costs.

He also said that, he is saddened to see the Commission and other constitutional offices and their powers and functions being undermined by various politicians for their own good.

Sir Michael also appealed to his fellow Parliamentarians not to use their mandated powers to water-down institutional frameworks, because this will lead to the breakdown in the rule of law, principles of democracy and the value of the separation of powers.

He also took time to acknowledge the contributions of pioneer Ombudsman's like the late Sir Ignatius Kilage, Sir Charles Maino, Ms. Jean Kekedo and others who have followed through in maintaining the respect and integrity of this important institution.