The Commissioner of Police, Prisons and Corrections Services, Afioga Auapa’au Logo’itino Filipo, has been terminated through a Fa’ai’uga a le Kapeneta (FK – Cabinet Directive).
In all manner of professional protocol, this was an undignified ending to a high-profile and prestigious government position. It was a classless act from a government which, only a couple of weeks ago, Prime Minister La’auli told CEOs and ministry heads to let bygones be bygones and work cohesively with the government. La’auli had refuted the narrative that FAST would remove public servants once in power.
Reading between the lines, his statement was a veiled threat: everyone must kowtow to government orders. No room for discernment or critical evaluation — just do as you’re told or hit the road.
Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o said the decision was based on a report from the Public Service Commission (PSC). The contents of the report were not revealed at her press conference. When pressed by a reporter, she said, “We based our decision on a report from the PSC. We don’t make decisions based on social media commentary.” If one takes that at face value, then it was all the PSC’s fault?
Overseas pro-FAST media and supporters had long promoted the idea that the new government’s first assignment would be to remove the Police Commissioner and Attorney General. How obedient of the government to follow through.
It is also public knowledge that PM La’auli was highly critical of Commissioner Auapa’au’s performance, particularly over the 2021 hit-and-run case involving the death of University student Tu’uau Maletino. They insisted that Leala’ilepule was responsible, but police under Auapa’au did not prove their theory. La’auli repeatedly called for overseas police to be brought in to solve the case — and now, holding authority, he can do just that.
Commissioner Auapa’au, a Christian patriot, accepted the decision with dignity.
“The role of Leader is a thankless and a lonely job, despised by many because of decisions I had to make,” he said in his final address. “I have been unpopular with some decisions but I know in my heart that I have done my best according to the rule of law. Our role is to uphold the law and protect the principles of our democracy.”
He urged his colleagues to support the new Commissioner and the government of the day.
Since taking office, Mr Auapa’au has been subjected to vitriolic attacks and accusations of corruption and dishonesty, especially over the hit-and-run case. He had brought charges against PM La’auli and five others and was the first prosecution witness. The case remains pending due to delays attributed to incomplete defence submissions.
The argument that his contract had run out does not convince many law-abiding citizens, particularly in the absence of adverse findings in the PSC report. Did the report say he was corrupt? Did he break the law? Did he bring the service into disrepute?
In fairness and natural justice, Auapa’au should have been reappointed. Many are calling it revenge, the price for his pursuit of justice.
Auapa’au confirmed he had reapplied for the role but expected the outcome given the campaigns against him.
“I kinda expected this result but I have accepted it. I wish the new Commissioner all the best and also urge our Police to support the government of the day,” he said.
It is humiliating nonetheless when there has been no legal reason to remove him.
A controversial letter by the Samoa Law Society (SLS) reminded the Prime Minister — now also Minister of Police and the Attorney General’s Office — to ensure the independence of those institutions without political interference. The Commonwealth Law Association supported the SLS.
The letter pointed out that the Minister himself is facing criminal charges and further charges are expected in the coming months. And now this.
