Chiefs, orators and villagers of Falelatai, converged on the official residence of Samoa’s Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II at Vailele this morning to offer him and Masiofo Faamausili protection.
The group, which filled two large buses, told media they were there to take le Ao ole Malo and Masiofo to Falelatai where they will guard them with their lives.
One matai expressed concern about threats against the HOS on social media.
Upon being informed by the police commissioner of the presence of the Falelatai group at the Head of State’s residence, care taker Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele went on television and radio and asked that Falelatai‘s traditional leaders leave the duty of protecting the Head of State to the government and police.
He also appealed to the country to remain calm.
After the address by the PM the Falelatai delegation retreated and returned to Falelatai.
In his statement, the PM said accusations have been strong and using disrespectful words and statements against government leaders, village leaders and even church leaders,” he said.
He said Samoa had been a very calm and peaceful country but in only six months, Samoa is now in a state of disarray.
Tuilaepa seemd to be apportioning blame to the FAST party who had extensively used social media to reach out to voters and especially to the non-voting Samoan diaspora supporters, who apparently helped financially to the tune of more than $1million tālā.
Meanwhile the Supreme Court sat today to decide a request for a stay of the court’s ruling on the women’s seat which gave HRPP 26 seats in Parliament, the same as FAST.
The application is by the Office of the Election Commission and the woman whom OEC gave the seat to, Aliimalemanu Alofa Tuuau.
Justices Mata Tuatagaloa, Vui Clarence Nelson and Lesatele Rapi Vaai have referred the request for a stay to a Court of Appeals.
A request for an appeal of the same ruling is to be heard by Chief Justice Satiu Sumativa Perese and Justices Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala Warren and Fepuleai Roma Ameperosa at noon tomorrow.
Photos: Nofoilo Samoa Media
