The Ombudsmen Commission (OC) has closed the investigation into allegations of illegally acquiring citizenship against former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justin Tkatchenko, stating that at the time of him being granted citizenship, the Member of Parliament (MP) had already met all requirements.
In a letter from the Chief Ombudsmen Mr. Richard Pagen to the MP for Moresby South, he advised that during the investigation, they had verified that the Member had met all requirements under section 67 of the Constitution.
“The Commission’s investigations established that at that material time there was a Citizenship Advisory Committee in existence when you (MP) were granted citizenship,” the Chief Ombudsmen wrote.
It was made known that prior to applying for citizenship in 2002, Tkatchenko had resided in the country for over nine years and it was not until 2003 when his application was finally processed and he received a confirmation letter from the then Director General for Immigration & Citizenship, Mr. Mataio Rabura.
An investigation was launched last year when disgruntled citizens took offense over statements made by the MP whilst speaking to international media when he tried to defend the decision made by himself to be accompanied by his daughter to the official Coronation of King Charles.