By Nanai Laveitiga Tuiletufuga
Samoa Police has been told that under no circumstances will Cabinet intervene with the course of justice.

In effect, criminal charges against suspended Police Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil will proceed.  Similarly, the Commission of Inquiry endorsed by Cabinet to investigate recent events implicating the Commissioner and senior officers will also proceed.

“Cabinet’s decision is based on the rule of law which has and continues to govern this government since it was voted in to office more than 30 years ago,” the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi told Police in a closed-door meeting a day after he assumed responsibility for the Ministry of Police.

“It reaffirms accountability and transparency, which guides our work in service of the people of Samoa.”

And based on the outcome of the criminal charges and inquiry, Cabinet, said Tuilaepa, will make the appropriate decision.

In an interview with the Savali Newspaper explaining the Cabinet reshuffle, Tuilaepa said that oversight of law and order enforcement in the beginning was always the Prime Minister’s responsibility.

“We’re a proactive government, so we make decisions that are relevant and appropriate for every situation, and Cabinet agreed that a change in portfolios was the right move,” he added.

Tuilaepa conceded that recent events have highlighted challenges facing Samoa Police.

“Some officers have abused their powers and privileges. And these actions have cost government in resources and time that should be used in service of our communities.

“There are some internal issues, that much is clear, but that is why we have to follow the rule of law and proper processes. We are always looking for ways to improve our services and develop our institutions such as Samoa Police.

“The Commission of Inquiry will give light to many of the problems and clear away some of the rubbish that lingers.”

Addressing the Police last week, Tuilaepa did not mince words.

“No one is above the law.”

“If you are implicated in activities of disrepute, have the guts to resign.”

“Don’t undermine your partnerships, professionalism and trust in each other with personal gripes and gutless actions.”

The Prime Minister also referred to government’s many reforms that have been implemented to improve services and security in the country.

“We have gone out of the way to seek assistance from development partners for funding to improve services, such as better transport for police to respond effectively and quickly to the public seeking help.

“In 1999, while attending a United Nations meeting in New York, I had personally requested to the UN Secretary-General to include our Police in their Peacekeeping Mission.

“I took pains to defend that initiative in Parliament. It was labelled a murder and death warrant by the Opposing MPs.

“Look around today, many of our police officers who served with the UN have returned home with the financial resources to build new homes, buy new vehicles and improve the standard of living for their families.

“Their UN hands-on experience should assist them with their on-the-job performances.

“On another matter and in response to your concerns, which are also shared by the public, that police may find it a challenge to investigate their own – government answered with a new arrangement for the Office of the Ombudsman to take over these responsibilities.

“And more recently, one of the reasons for the creation of the National Prosecution Office was to help Samoa Police tackle criminal prosecutions.

“Everybody wants a professional police department.

“One that’s accountable to the people, to protect and serve the people.

“It’s on that note that I can say Cabinet will enforce the law to the letter,” said the Prime Minister.

Deputy Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, Ministers of Cabinet and Associate Ministers attended the meeting at Police Headquarters in Apia.

Share This

About the author