“Right now, I’m sitting in the dark not knowing what is happening. I have not been formally informed by the government. I feel sad because everyone is talking about my termination and yet I’m not aware of it” – Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo
Former Police Commissioner, Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo, has yet to be officially informed about Cabinet’s decision to terminate his services.
Made two weeks ago, the decision was relayed to the media last Thursday by Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, who said that Lilomaiava has been made to “retire.”
It was only when he pressed to explain the use of the word “retire” when he explained that Lilomaiava’s services as the Police Commissioner have been terminated.
He said the position will soon be advertised.
But someone in Cabinet has forgotten to inform Lilomaiava.
Asked for a comment yesterday, Lilomaiava said all he has heard is what has been said in the media.
“Right now, I’m sitting in the dark not knowing what is happening,” he told the Samoa Observer. “I have not been formally informed by the government.”
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Lilomaiava said his treatment has left him bitter and sad, especially after a long suspension.
“I feel sad because everyone is talking about my termination and yet I’m not aware of it.”
The Commissioner said he will write to the government to find out if they in fact have made a decision.
Lilomaiava was the subject of a second Commission of Inquiry into his performance, in particular the running of the Tafa’igata prison.
While the Assistant Commissioner of Prison Sala Seaga Uili decided to resign ahead of the second Inquiry, Lilomaiava fought on. He maintained his innocence.
Like the first Inquiry, the second Inquiry was chaired by the Ombudsman, Maiava Iulai Toma.
Diana Roma, Lilomaiava’s lawyer before the Inquiry, argued that the allegations against her client had not been proven and therefore his services should not be terminated.
“To conclude, the Commission may find at the end of the inquiry that there are short coming in the performance of the Commissioner but our submissions are that the Commissioner offered reasonable explanations towards the matters raised in light of the Tafaigata report which we submit does not amount to a breach of his duties,” Mrs. Roma argued.
“We also submit that the complaints made during the previous inquiry are not necessarily representative or indicative of the public’s view of the Commissioner ability to perform his duties. Least it is forgotten that there are other duties that were well performed by the Commissioner for the good of the Ministry and the community as a whole.”
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