Ombudsman Commission to investigate election funds

BULOLO parliamentarian and Deputy Leader of the Opposition Sam Basil has commended the Ombudsman Commission for moving to account for funds used for election purposes by ousted and re-elected MPs.
Ombudsman John Nero said last Friday that the commission would investigate the funds used during the general election in the interest of compliance of laws as public servants appointed by mandate to serve the people. “I am pleased that Acting Chief Ombudsman John Nero has taken my public call on parliamentary leaders and political party executives to account for their election campaign funding seriously,” Basil said in a statement.  He said many big unresolved cases involving public money affected leadership integrity and caused public distrust and the commission must publicise its findings.
Basil made reference to the Moti saga, Cayman Islands deal, Sandline issue, National Provident Fund inquiry and other unresolved investigations. 
“Leading PNG statesmen in the O’Neill government and newer MPs cannot be trusted by the public unless all these matters are aired and resolved publicly by the relevant government authorities,” he said.
“The Ombudsman Commission, as lead agency in enforcing the Leadership Code, must mobilise other sister agencies to intensely and expeditiously investigate these matters.