It was made through a secret whisper from God, Prime Minister Tuilaepa reveals

By Gatoaitele Savea Sano Malifa 12 July 2017, 12:00AM

During his weekly press conference on Monday, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, told reporters the appointment of Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, as Samoa’s next Head of State, was a calling from God.

He also told reporters that he believed Tuimaleali’ifano “is now ready for the Head of State post.” 

And now addressing Tuimaleali’ifano, he went on to explain: “It’s believed that every appointment comes from God, and you have waited patiently and continued your service as a member of the Deputy Council.” 

Tuilaepa also said: “This is a call from God and it was made through a secret whisper to each member of the Human Rights Protection Party as (it’s) indicated under the constitution.” 

As for the departing Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua, Tuilaepa also said that his too was a “calling from God”. 

He told reporters: “I commend Tui Atua for his service in the last 10 years.”

And now addressing Tui Atua, he said: “I am sure you want to continue serving your country, however thank you for your service to our country.”  

Still, the idea that Prime Minister Tuilaepa Malielegaoi, has been insisting that these “callings are from God” is quite worrying, to say the least.

When he told reporters that the appointment of Tuimaleali’ifano as the new Head of State, was a calling from God that had been made through a secret whisper, to each member of the Human Rights Protection Party as (it’s) indicated under the Constitution, what exactly was he talking about? 

We have no idea.

And if the truth be told, he’s got us all quite confused here. 

So would he be kind enough to explain how “each member of the Human Rights Protection Party” - there are fifty of them anyway against two in the Opposition - was able to hear “this call from God” which was apparently “made through a secret whisper as it’s been indicated under the Constitution, anyway?”

Indeed, did all those grown individuals with perfect hearing of their own, hear the secret call from God that their leader, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, is talking about? 

Of course they did, they are most likely to say, but then that’s quite understandable given the “sensitivity of the matter” their leader is obviously trying hard, to untangle himself from.  

Incidentally, is he referring to God the Almighty, to whom the people of this entire country are worshiping, or is he talking about another god that they know anything about? 

Still, what was so sensitive about the recent selection of the Head of State that Tuilaepa is worried about, which is why he’s now suggesting that perhaps it’s time to amend the law so that the term of office is increased to ten years?

These are the facts.

The governing Human Rights Protection Party, headed by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, has already appointed Tuimaleali’ifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, as Samoa’s new Head of State. 

When he will be sworn in has not yet been announced.

As for the outgoing Head of State, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, he is vacating office on 25 July 2017.

In the meantime, it appears that Prime Minister Tuilaepa, is troubled by a bout of uncertainty.  

He has apparently prompted Parliament to look at amending the Constitution to limit the Head of State’s appointment to two terms or ten years.

Why? 

The reason has not yet been spelt out. 

All that Tuilaepa had told reporters was: “It would be more accepting once it’s public knowledge that there are two terms for the Head of State, rather than the current situation.” 

Whatever he was talking about, it had not been made crystal clear. All he said was that concerns were raised about a Tama a Aiga being removed from their position in government. 

Indeed, Tuilaepa said Tama a Aiga are well respected leaders in our country and nothing and no one can change that. 

He went on to urge: “Do not mix the two.” 

Tuilaepa also said that Tama a Aiga is in our tradition and culture while the selection of government leaders, is something of the modern world. 

The question now is: Has Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, softened down somewhat all of a sudden, and if so why?

Is it because he’s feeling sorry for the outgoing Head of State, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, who will soon find himself being ignored after all these years, he’s been serving his country well?

In his press conference though, Tuilaepa told reporters: “I commend Tui Atua for his service in the last ten years.” 

And now referring to Tui Atua, he said: “I am sure you’d want to continue serving your country, however thank you for your service to our country.” 

“You’ve spent many years of service in Government, you have served in every aspect of the Government.” 

“You were a Member of Parliament; Prime Minister; Deputy Council and currently, the Head of State.” 

“Only God can reward you abundantly for your service to your Government and the People of Samoa.” 

He also assured: “The appointment of the Head of State was conducted on a democracy level, it was not an easy decision to make, for such a small country.”

“This is a call from God and it was made through a secret whisper to each of Human Rights Protection Party as (it’s) indicated under the constitution.” 

Still, would Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, be made a Member of the Council of Deputies?

Let’s wait and see.

By Gatoaitele Savea Sano Malifa 12 July 2017, 12:00AM
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