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By Fili Sagapolutele
Samoa News Correspondent
Governor Togiola announced yesterday afternoon that he has accepted the resignation of Education director Malaetele Dr. Lui Tuitele.
"After several meetings with Malaetele Dr. Lui Tuitele regarding the situation at the Department of Education, I received on December 11, 2006, a letter of resignation from Dr. Tuitele," the governor said yesterday in a brief statement.
Tuitele's letter relayed to the governor his wish to retire as an employee of the American Samoa Government. According to the statement, Tuitele believed that a change of leadership is due at the Department of Education, and expressed his gratitude to Togiola for the opportunity given to him to serve as director.
The governor said that after due consideration, he made the decision yesterday to accept Malaetele's resignation.
"I wish to express my sincere thanks to Dr. Tuitele for his many years of service to the American Samoa Government at the Department of Education and for all his efforts and contribution during his tenure as director of the department," Togiola said. "I wish him and his family the very best for the future."
Malaetele's resignation comes two months after he was placed on an excused leave of absence by the governor, while a probe into the allegations of personnel malfeasance and other issues within DOE were being investigated by the offices of the Governor and Attorney General.
Longtime DOE official Dr. Claire Poumele was appointed as acting DOE director in the absence of Malaetele, and she continues to serve in that post.
Malaetele has been with DOE for 36 years. He was appointed Aug. 29, 2003 as DOE director, replacing former DOE director Dr. Sili K. Sataua, who stepped down at the time amid allegations of DOE procurement improprieties and mis-use of funds. Dr. Sataua was subsequently convicted of conspiracy to defraud the US government and he is currently serving time at the federal prison in Honolulu.
Malaetele's second re-appointment last year was initially rejected by the Senate for confirmation, however, it was during a second submission of his appointment by Togiola that both the House and Senate gave their endorsement.
Reach the reporter at fili@samoanews.com.
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