Lawyer sues Associate Minister

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia – Ah Tong 12 February 2019, 12:00AM

The Associate Minister of the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Peseta Vaifou Tevaga, has been sued by lawyer, Leulua’iali’i Olinda Woodroffe.

The civil matter was called for mention in the Supreme Court on Monday. 

Leulua’iali’i claims that Peseta owes her NZ$130,000 (T$221,000) in fees for legal services she provided the Associate Minister. 

Chief Justice, His Honour, Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu presided over the matter. 

Lawyer, Kirstin Kruse, represented Peseta, and asked for the matter to be adjourned so she can obtain full instructions from her client. 

Chief Justice Patu granted the adjournment for Monday 25th February 2019. 

Outside Court, Leulua’iali’i said it is regrettable she had to take legal actions against Peseta because she has great respect for him. 

“But he owes my law firm NZ$130,000 in fees,” she said. 

“It is regrettable because I don’t dislike him as a person and I did do the best I could in the circumstances of his court cases.”

The New Zealand based lawyer said the costs arise from legal matters where she represented Peseta of Aldan Civil Engineering Construction Company Limited and Local Partners and Associates (L.P.A.) nonu company. 

It was not possible to get a comment from Peseta. 

When the Samoa Observer visited his office at Vaitele, a young man who identified himself as one of his sons said his father was in Savai’i for a meeting. He was not aware of his phone number. 

Leulua’iali’i represented Peseta in the previous years on several lawsuits against former Cabinet Minister, La’auli Leuatea Polataivao, and others who were partners of the nonu company – including the Owner of Talamua Media, Apulu Lance Polu.

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia – Ah Tong 12 February 2019, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>