Pulu Ae Ae, Jr confirms his run for Lt. Governor with Pula Nikolao Pula

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — High Chief Pulu Ae Ae, Jr. has confirmed his candidacy for lieutenant governor of American Samoa and as the running mate of candidate for governor, Pula Nikolao Pula in the 2024 gubernatorial race.

In an exclusive interview with Samoa News, Pulu revealed that he had never planned to run.

However, Pula called him out of the blue a week ago and asked him if he would be his running mate, saying that potential running mates he had approached had turned him down for one reason or another.

“I was taken completely unawares by his request,” said Pulu. “After it registered in my mind, I thought to myself, maybe this is a sign from God that this is my calling so that I can help the people of American Samoa.

"Financially, I'm OK with my current job, in fact my salary is higher than that of the Lt. Governor. But so many people have expressed their concerns about the current state of the Territory and government. I know what they are talking about and it saddens me because we not only hear about it, we see what's happening."

The veteran former lawmaker with ten-years experience as faipule for Ma'oputasi County however did not elaborate.

 Pulu is currently the director of the Field Office for Congresswoman Uifaatali Aumua Amata.

The fact that people still talk to him and inform him of what they perceive as illegal dealings by government officials or the current administration, even though he is no longer a member of the House of Representatives, speaks volumes of his character and principles.

During his ten years in the House of Representatives, the US Army veteran was a vocal and sometimes controversial figure who was not afraid to fight for his constitutional rights and challenged decisions within the legislative body.

His outbursts, which got him suspended one time, are the stuff of legend and one of his associates who spoke up in his defense argued that he should not be punished because his bad temper was the result of serving in the Persian Gulf.

"He's an outspoken straight shooter who shoots from the hip," said one of his many supporters.

Another remarked, "He's slim and of medium build but when he speaks out for what he believes is right, he's a giant among men."

Now in his seventies, there are no signs that he has mellowed with age.

The Pago Pago High Chief stated that he has notified his village council of matai of his intention so that he won't be criticized for making such a big move without informing them.

He revealed that Paramount Chief Mauga Tasi Asuega had requested him to stand down and give his nephew, Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga the chance to continue his administration for another four years.

However, he had told Mauga politely that he cannot honor his request because he feels it is a calling from God and he feels obligated to help the people who had sought his advice on certain issues pertaining to particular events involving the government, which has been reported by local and regional media.

Pulu reiterated that his decision to be Pula's running mate was made because he wants to serve the people and not only voice those concerns, but also to do what's right.

He told Samoa News that he was convinced that Pula's request that he be his running mate was a sign from God, that this was his calling so that he can help the people of American Samoa by prioritizing transparency and accountability in government.

"I feel humbled and unworthy but even Moses, as the Good Book says, felt the same way," Pulu stated. "Then God called out to Moses from a burning bush that was burning yet was not consumed by the fire, and convinced him of his calling to lead God's people out of Egypt."

He revealed his feelings about his role in their bid for office saying that being older than Pula, he sees himself as not only his supporter and assistant, but more importantly an advisor.

"With all the experience I have accumulated over the years in politics, I feel well qualified to give him sound advice," Pulu reasoned. "I know Pula is an intelligent man and he should know where I'm coming from.”

He added that if they were successful, their partnership would be the first in the Territory's history where a lieutenant governor was older than the governor, and from past experience, some of the previous two top government executives did not always see eye to eye on some issues.

He should also know that the Bible says, 'Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right,'" he said with a laugh.

Last Thursday evening, about 200 people attended a meeting held at his home in Pago Pago, which was conducted by Taua Niualama Taifane, and discussion focused on the pillars of the Pula/Pulu HOPE2024 Campaign.

They are Honest Governance, Offer Quality Health Care, Provide exceptional Education and Expansion of Economic Growth.

Pulu shared that it was encouraging to see so many people turn up, noting that some came from places far away from Pago Pago.

He stated that he addressed the gathering and informed them that he will refrain from elaborating in detail on anything until Pula, candidate for governor returns from off-island.

He said the official announcement of the Lt Governor candidate and the campaign committee chair will be made at the camp’s kick off on April 6.

Pula was in the mainland to attend the funeral of a close relative and is scheduled to arrive back on-island tonight.