Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On Friday, January 3rd, 2025, the inauguration day for American Samoa's Governor-elect Pulaalii Nikolao Pula and Lt Governor-elect Pulu M. Ae Ae, Jr., began under overcast skies and a light drizzle at Malaeoletau, Fagatogo.

The Fagatogo Pavilion was adorned in red, white, and blue, with a red carpet rolled out for the Territory's new leaders and distinguished guests. Among the attendees were the Prime Minister of Independent Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, Opposition leader and former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, and leaders of various local church denominations.

Other members of Parliament from Samoa were seated in tents set up in front of the pavilion, alongside more than 400 members of the public who braved the gloomy weather to witness history unfold as their new leaders were sworn in.

They included Minister of Women and Social Development Mulipola Anarosa Molioo, deputy opposition leader Fonotoe Pierre Meredith, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, and Peseta Vaifou Tevaga. Also present was CEO of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Agafili Shem Leo and Samoa's Consul General in American Samoa, Fata Brian Kaio.

The light drizzle steadily intensified as the invited guests arrived one by one. By the time the new Governor and Lieutenant Governor, accompanied by their spouses, made their entrance, the rain was pouring down.

After the raising of the United States and American Samoa flags, the program got underway with the invocation delivered by Elder Auapa'au Faapito of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Hymns were sung by the Fagatogo Methodist Church Choir, Pago Pago Assembly of God Choir and the Fagatogo CCCAS Choir.

The scripture reading was led by CCCAS Chairman Rev. Elder Faaeteete Saifoloi.

When the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived, the rain had eased to a light drizzle again as the new Governor and Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa took their oaths of office.

Chief Justice Lealaialoa Michael Kruse administered the oaths. Governor Pulaalii swore on a Bible held by First Lady Dr. Lois Pula, pledging to uphold the constitutions and laws of the United States and American Samoa. Mrs. Titilupe Ae held the Bible for Lt Governor Pulu Ae Ae Jr.

Governor-elect Pulaalii Nikolao Pula takes the oath of office administered by Chief Justice Lealaialoa Michael Kruse, with First Lady Dr. Lois Pula holding the Bible. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau]

Thunderous applause followed this momentous occasion. Outgoing Governor Lemanu Peleti Sialega Mauga and Mrs. Ella Mauga, along with former Lieutenant Governor La'apui Talauega Eleasalo Ale and Mrs. Marian Ale, congratulated the new leaders before taking their leave, waving at the crowd as they departed the Fagatogo malae.

The ceremony continued with the Scripture Message delivered by Rev. Lagofaatasi Ae, son of Lt Governor Pulu, from the All Peoples Pentecostal Church.

Rev. Ae remarked on the rainy weather, noting that the Bible often attributes significant reasons to rain, such as washing, cleansing, and rebirth.

"And I truly believe that this rain is a significant reason to show us that God is cleansing, and washing, and preparing this administration for a rebirth," he declared.

Rev. Ae emphasized that his message for the new administration and the people of American Samoa was one of Hope in God. He quoted the first President of the United States, George Washington, who said, "It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and His Word."

He also quoted President-elect Donald J. Trump, who said, "In America, we do not worship government, we worship God," and, following his recent re-election, "We need the Bible back and we need it fast, in government, in our community, and in our schools."

Additionally, he quoted his father, Lt Governor Pulu Ae Ae, Jr., who said in Samoan, "O le galuega a tatou e mulimuli i le Tusi Paia," which translates to, "Our role is to follow the Holy Bible." (Literal translation: “Our work follows the Holy Bible”.)

"The point I'm trying to make here is our hope is found in God and God alone!" Rev. Ae declared.

In conclusion, he offered spiritual guidance to Governor Pula and Lt Governor Pulu, quoting from the Book of Joshua, Chapter 1:7-9. This passage describes a transition of leadership, where God commissions Joshua to succeed Moses and lead His people into the Promised Land.

"Above all, I want you to be strong and courageous. Be careful to observe all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it, so that you may prosper and succeed in all you do."

"This passage reminds us that if we want to succeed and prosper, the Holy Bible should never depart from our mouths," he stated. "We need to meditate on the Word of God day and night, being doers, not just hearers, of His Word.

"When you can walk in the way of the Lord while leading this government, His presence will never depart from you. And if God is with you, who can rise up against you? God bless Governor Pulaalii, God bless Lt Governor Pulu Ae Ae, Jr., God bless the people of this great nation, and God bless American Samoa."

Following this, the leaders of 12 church denominations in the Territory gave the inaugural blessing by laying their hands on the Governor and Lieutenant Governor as they knelt before the VIP guests seated at the Fagatogo Pavilion, and prayed over them.

Local church leaders gave Governor Pula and Lt. Governor Pulu the inaugural blessing by laying hands and praying over them during their inauguration ceremony last Friday at the Pavilion — Malaeoletau, Fagatogo. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau]

After the blessing, an emotional Governor Pulaalii wiped tears from his face as he stood at the podium for his inaugural address and admitted that he was so overwhelmed with emotion that he could hardly speak.

"Now I know that in American Samoa and the Independent State of Samoa, there is no such thing as the separation of Church and State," he stated. "Because our governments are founded on God and guided by His Holy Spirit."

Governor Pulaalii expressed gratitude to outgoing Governor Lemanu and Mrs. Ella Mauga, Lt Governor La'apui and Mrs. Ale, re-elected Congresswoman Uifataali Amata Coleman, department directors and employees, leaders and members of the Fono, and the Judiciary for their service.

He gave special acknowledgment to Samoa's Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and members of Parliament from Samoa, noting that their participation enhanced the significance of the ceremony.

He stated that the Government of American Samoa is now his and Lt Governor Pulu’s responsibility, but they cannot do it alone. The governor emphasized the need for support from churches, village councils, the business community, and the general public who make up the community.

He revealed that through his walks in the villages and various communities, he discovered that not only US citizens and US nationals call American Samoa home, but there are likely more foreigners living in the territory now.

"Pulu and I are not only the governor and lieutenant governor for the voters," he declared. "We are the leaders for all people who live in American Samoa. We will uphold the law. We will return the Government of American Samoa to the people, for the people, by the people.

"It will not be just for a few family and friends. This government belongs to the people, and with God's help and His blessings, we will do the same and treat everybody alike. Because of social media, everybody will have an opinion. After this event, many of us will go back to our same old attitude.

"But this time I stand before you as a new leader and say, please be the change you want the government, the people, and the world to be. If you want to get rid of drugs, the poison that has affected our children, then be the change, be the parent, be the person to look after our children.

"Our government will not only consist of the three branches of government; it's going to include every part of our community and society. Without that and without God's blessings, we will not succeed. God bless American Samoa!"

There was a noticeable shift in the ceremony's atmosphere when Lt Gov Pulu Ae Ae, Jr. delivered the closing remarks in his characteristic straightforward manner.

He expressed gratitude to the public, emphasizing their crucial role in building a strong and transparent government. He stressed that he and Governor Pula cannot do it alone and are relying on the community to report any issues.

"If you're afraid to tell the governor, tell Pulu,” he said, eliciting laughter from the audience.

He also commended the Police Honor Guard and officers for braving the downpour earlier that morning to perform their duties and assured them that he would personally ensure they receive appropriate pay and overtime.

Pulu acknowledged Samoa's Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata'afa and members of Parliament, offering their administration's assistance in any way needed.

Governor-elect Pulaalii Nikolao Pula meeting Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa before the inauguration ceremony as in-coming First Lady Dr. Lois Pula and outgoing Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga look on. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau]