Togiola to chair SSIC probe of Nu’u Fou lands, saying there is no conflict of interest

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Chairman of the Senate Select Investigative Committee, Togiola Tulafono confirms he has no conflict of interest in chairing the hearing regarding the Nu’u Fou lands, which is set to start on Monday next week.

President of the Senate Tuaolo Manaia Fruean during Wednesday’s session pointed out there are concerns that Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga is the Paramount Chief for the Chairman’s family in Sailele.

 “The question is Togiola, do you have a conflict, given the Governor is your [Paramount] Chief,” asked the President.

Togiola in response said no.

“I believe there is no such thing. The duties and responsibilities as a Senator will be upheld and if we consider it in that manner, then there will be an issue, given everyone is related.

“However if there are any issues that will arise, there are eight other SSIC members. The Chairman does not vote, unless there is a tie only then would I cast a vote,” said Togiola.

The Senate President said “in my capacity as the leader, these issues must be cleared to eliminate any issues arising in the future and in any case members of the public will question  the integrity of the SSIC on this matter, so it’s good to have clarity on this issue,” said Tuaolo.

Governor Lemanu is not named on any official record tied to the survey of the Nu’u Fou land, however an unverifiable map circulating online alleges that Lemanu would gain land from the Nu’u Fou.

Samoa News made efforts to get direct comments from the Governor on the claims but there has been no response.

The SSIC will meet next week Monday on the issue of the survey of the Nu’u Fou land consisting of over 400 acres.

It was revealed this past Monday that the survey was conducted by the manager of the Survey Division of Public Works, Mapusone Laulu. The confirmation came from Sione Amosa who is now overseeing the Survey Division, in the absence of Laulu, who is currently off-island.

The survey of the Nu’u Fou land is at the center of criticisms by the public, which led to the hearing before the Senate this week.

Chair of the Senate Public Works Committee, Senator Satele Aliitasi Lili’o said the hearing is to look at the survey of land referred to as the “virgin bush” located at the eastern side of Malaeimi and Western side of Fagasa and it includes Sika, Fagafue all the way to Aasu.

The land in question is currently going through a process of registration by Mauga Tasi Asuega, Laulii Alofa, Michael T. Fuiavai; Patolo Mageo and others as “individually owned land” encompassing close to 400 acres.

Senate Pro-Temp Magalei Logovi’i has been appointed as Vice Chairman of the SSIC, and other members are Senators Fai’ivae Iuli Godinet, Alo Paul Stevenson, Ma’o Fa’auma Gogo, Utu Sila Poasa, Uti Petelo, Fonoti Tafa’ifa Aufata and Poneafua Tapeni.

It was also confirmed that the Senate’s Legal Counsel Mitzie Jessop-Taase will be in charge of Administrating the SSIC hearings and selecting officers for record keeping of the hearings, including a Secretary to be appointed.

The hearing is scheduled next week Monday at 1pm, and the witnesses to be called are the Registrar who will bring all the documents for the land in question; also the surveyor who conducted the survey without going through the process of informing the relevant parties and from that hearing, the Senate will determine its next move.