The Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Events, Justin Tkatchenko, has said in a statement that he will no longer be questioned about his citizenship as a Papua New Guinean now that the investigation by the Ombudsman Commission (OC) into the allegations against him, is now closed. In a letter dated December 20th, 2023, Chief Ombudsman Mr. Richard Pagen informed Mr. Tkatchenko that the investigation into the allegations of unlawful granting of his citizenship found no wrongdoing on his part and as such, the investigation wrapped up. According to Mr. Pagen, the Citizenship Advisor Committee had granted Tkatckenko his citizenship. The Chief Ombudsmen in the letter explained that Tkatchenko was verified having met all the eligible requirements specified under Section 67 of the Constitution as submitted in his application for citizenship. Tkatchenko said he had followed the laws of the country in applying for citizenship correctly by law and without due influence of anyone. “That letter from Ombudsman Commission has finally put this matter to rest. It has shown that people out there have no facts and the truth has prevailed. I appreciate the work of the Ombudsman Commission for conducting a proper investigation on the allegations and finally putting this matter to rest once and for all.” He said following the investigation, the OC found out that these allegations were false and claimed that these were clearly only there to tarnish the name of the Member of Parliament and his reputation. “I’m a proud, dedicated, loyal Papua New Guinean and I will be here till the day I die. All those haters out there, the truth is crystal clear so move on and do something productive in your lives. For me now will be to continue to serve my country as Minister of State and as Member for Moresby South so my people can continue to benefit like they have over the last 12 years.” Mr. Tkatchenko said with the matter now laid to rest, it is time to move on for the benefit of the people and the country.