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Gov denies rumors that Satele has been sacked

Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga has dismissed as “untrue” reports received by Samoa News late Friday afternoon that Samoan Affairs Secretary, Satele Galu Satele Sr., has been removed from the his post.

 

According to the reports, Satele was allegedly cleaning up his office around 2p.m. last Friday following a memo issued by the governor, appointing a new acting secretary.

 

“Who said those rumors? Those are not true, and they are untrue,” Lolo told Samoa News during a brief phone interview Friday evening. “The Secretary of Samoan Affairs is taking leave, paid leave since he has paid leave available.”

 

The governor explained that he wants Satele to take time off to among other things resolve and address any pressing and important matters dealing with his village of Vailoa. The governor didn’t elaborate further on the pressing issues.

 

Samoa News did point out to the governor that Samoa News did receive reports Friday morning of an alleged rock-throwing incident at Vailoa village the night before.

 

According to the reports, there was also swearing, during what one letter-to-the-editor writer calls a “melee” while students were preparing for the Leone High School pageant, which was set for Friday night at the Vailoa CCCAS church hall, and was reportedly forced to be canceled.

 

At least one commenter claimed that no such “melee” occurred at Vailoa and accused Samoa News of inaccurate information.  (See details of the Letter to the Editor published on Samoa News online www.samoanews.com on Jan. 16).

 

The high school wanted to hold their pageant at the Vailoa CCCAS hall because their gymnasium is under construction.

 

Samoa News obtained a video clip of the Thursday night incident where people are seen rushing to the Vailoa malae, others throwing rocks towards Satele’s Guest Fale and people pulling plants around the malae area.  Samoa News has opted at this time not to post the video online.

 

The reports received by Samoa News also state that while many police officers arrived on the scene in Vailoa, no arrests were made and the alleged melee was reported to the Governor’s Office late Friday morning.

 

While Satele is on paid leave, Lolo has appointed Western District Governor Lualemaga Faoa as acting secretary until deputy secretary Tuiagamoa Tavai returns to the territory from an off island trip.

 

Under local law and the Constitution, the Secretary of Samoan Affairs “serves at the pleasure of the governor.” While the Secretary of Samoan Affairs is considered a cabinet post, overseeing the Department of Local Government, it does not require Fono confirmation.