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Gov Lolo names acting directors, reappoints Mauga to Samoan Affairs

fili@samoanews.com

Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga has re-appointed Paramount Chief, Mauga Tasi Asuega as Secretary of Samoan Affairs while Malemo Tausaga, who served as Administrative Services Department director in the last four years of the Lolo administration, is appointed deputy secretary.

Both appointments, effective Jan. 3, 2017, cover the next four years of the Lolo Administration, according the governor’s memos issued Friday, Dec. 30.

In accordance with the local Constitution, the Secretary of Samoan Affairs, who is also a cabinet director and heads the Office of Samoan Affairs, is appointed by the governor and serves at the pleasure of the governor. And therefore he is not subject to Fono confirmation.

Also issued Friday was the governor’s appointment of designated acting directors for four government departments pending official nomination and confirmation by the Fono.

And all appointments are effective 12noon on Jan. 3, 2017, which is also when Lolo and Lt. Gov. Lemanu Peleti are sworn into office for the next four years, after being re-elected in the Nov. 8 general election.

As previously reported by Samoa News, all cabinet directors serving the last four years of the administration had until Dec. 15, 2016 to tender their letters of resignation. And they all did.

According to the governor,

• ASG Treasurer, Uelinitone Tonumaipea, who also heads the Treasury Department, will be acting Treasurer;

• Sen. Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, is acting Police Commissioner;

• Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale, who also heads the Department of Legal Affairs, is acting AG;

• Port Administration Department director Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Tuia Poumele is acting director of the same department.

See Tuesday’s edition for additional information including reaction from current Police Commissioner Save Liuato Tuitele.