Pula Nikolao Pula, names running mate, High Chief Pulu Ae Ae, Jr.

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Candidate for Governor in this year’s general elections, Pula Nikolao Pula, yesterday officially announced his running mate, High Chief Pulu Ae Ae, Jr. of Pago Pago.

The event took place at the residence of one of the Territory’s prominent members who served the government and people of American Samoa for many years in all three branches of government, and was also a gubernatorial candidate in past general elections, the late Afoa Moega Lutu.

Pula, in introducing his running mate, Lt. Governor candidate Pulu Ae Ae, Jr., referred to reports of the many political conflicts happening around the world and the region, saying that American Samoa needs leaders who have faith in God, leaders who are humble and compassionate, leaders who truly love our country and will do what is best for our people.

“It gives me great pleasure to officially introduce to you, one such leader of our community, known by everyone in the Territory and abroad, for his many years of service to the people and government of American Samoa, High Chief Pulu Ae Ae, Jr. from the village of Pago Pago,” Pula began. 

“Pulu has kindly agreed to assist me by being the candidate for Lt. Governor and my running mate in this year’s gubernatorial race, in our quest to serve our people.”

Pula then touched on Pulu's background saying that he graduated from Samoana High School in 1965  before traveling to the mainland where he joined the US Army.

On his return, Pulu served his family and village for many years and was eventually appointed pulenu’u (village mayor).

“This is the only person I know that has an important High Chief title, but is often seen in the evenings patrolling the streets of Pago Pago with the aumaga (untitled men), enforcing the village curfew for family evening prayers,” said Pula. “And I’m thankful and proud to be associated with such a humble person who puts priority on service. He was also a member of the House of Representatives for many years.

“He is known by everyone as a man of a few words but is someone who is not afraid to speak his mind no matter who crosses his path. Despite his slight build, much bigger people will think twice before saying anything that might provoke his ire which will be manifested in direct blistering words. With Pulu, there is no political flip flop. When he says flip, it will remain flip!

Pula again thanked Pulu for accepting his request to be his running mate even though it was not in line with the Fa’asamoa, due to the fact that he was younger than Pulu.

“I should be the one running for Lt. Governor because I am younger,” Pula said. “But Pulu being the humble man he is, graciously accepted my request. And it is with great respect that I call upon the candidate for Lt. Governor, afioga Pulu Ae Ae, Jr.,” Pula announced to thunderous applause from supporters.

Addressing the gathering, Pulu thanked their supporters for taking the time to be there. He then clarified a part of the introduction where Pula stated that he graduated from Samoana High School.

“For the record, I graduated from the American Samoa High School,” Pulu revealed. “That was the name of the first high school established in the Territory, and I was a member of the Class of 1965, before the school was renamed Samoana High School the following year.”

He thanked candidate for Governor Pula Nikolao Pula, for considering him as his running mate, and he described what had gone through his mind when Pula had called him out of the blue with his proposition.

“It was hard for me to make a decision that day,” he recalled. “But the story of Moses, who was called by God to deliver His people from bondage in Egypt, suddenly came to mind and I thought to myself, ‘What if this is a call from God and not Pula? Why would he suddenly call me? What if I say no and this is a call from God?’ That is why I said yes to you on the phone that day.”

He stated that they must make one thing clear about the reason of their quest, and that is, to serve the people, especially the young generations who will be the future leaders, to the best of their ability,

The Pago Pago High Chief also elaborated on Pula’s comment that he should be running for Lt. Governor because he was younger.

“That never crossed my mind,” the older Pulu declared. “The Bible tells us that David was favored by God over his older brothers. Likewise, I believe that God has called you to lead our people in these troubled times. 

“The important thing to me is to make sure that our people, especially our children, will have a better quality of life because they will look back if they encounter problems, and they will ask what we were doing when we had the chance to make things right.”

He thanked Pula and urged him to move with caution, be humble and always put the people first. 

He warned the gathering not to think of using power for personal gain and quoted words of wisdom he learned from the late Paramount Chief Mauga Sagaiga.

“He said work hard with honesty, faith and love,” he recounted. “If you don’t have those three things you won’t succeed in achieving your goal.”

He told Pula that if they won the election, he would always be there to advise him and monitor his decisions and actions.

“I’m telling you now that if you make any decision that I think is not right, I will tell you straight that it’s not right and that I won’t support it,” Pulu said as the gathering laughed. “Remember, I’m older than you, and if you don’t listen to what I say, then American Samoa will witness the first fight between a governor and Lt. Governor.”

Pula ended his speech on a more serious note, urging the gathering to put their trust in God and always put the welfare of the people first in everything they do.

The Pula/ Pulu Kick-Off Event is scheduled for April 20, 2024.