Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaali‘i Nikolao Pula’s sudden decision to dissolve the Board of Directors of the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) has triggered one of the strongest public rebukes yet from senior Senator Muagututi‘a Tauoa, who accused the Governor of disrespecting the Fono, misusing public funds, and undermining the constitutional balance of government.

Speaking during a Senate Government Operations Committee hearing on Monday morning, December 31, 2026, Muagututi‘a delivered a blistering tirade in Samoan that escalated into an outright call for the Governor’s removal — a rare and extraordinary step in Fono proceedings.

“I have monitored the Governor’s actions from the beginning,” Muagututi‘a said, opening his remarks with a stern tone. “We should not be afraid to tell him that he has overstepped his authority because we put him where he is. How many times has he gone against the Fono’s decisions? We should not be afraid of him.”

Turning directly to the camera live streaming the hearing, Muagututi‘a addressed the Governor personally:

“Pula, if you are watching this broadcast, I’m telling you now that you are full of disrespect. I remind you that the government consists of three branches — the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary. I am certain a significant amount of funds have been misused, and that is the reason he has dissolved the Board.”

The senator went further, accusing the Governor of lacking cultural grounding and respect.

“Pula, you have been disrespectful and rude to the people of this Territory. This is what happens when someone who has been living off-island becomes a matai and is not fully versed with the dictates of being a matai — especially respect.”

He also criticized the Governor’s treatment of Lt. Governor Pulu, saying:

“Why did you select Pulu as your Lt. Governor and now you disrespect him? This is not your government that you can rule from wherever in the world you travel to. This is the government of Tutuila and Manu‘a. We should elect a governor who truly cares for the people of American Samoa. Change the governor. Don’t vote for Pula.”

The remarks were broadcast live on the Senate website and YouTube, reaching thousands of viewers on social media.

Muagututi‘a is known for his sharp critiques of the administration, but Monday’s comments marked his most severe condemnation of Governor Pulaali‘i to date.