Martha Taumata Faavae.
It was a joyful scene of celebration at the Human Rights Protection Party HRPP headquarters at Maota I Petesa last Friday after the swearing in ceremony of 18 opposition Members of Parliament.
The happy moment capped off a huge history making week of politics in Samoa.
The Speaker of the House Papalii Taeu Masipa’u took their oath after the Supreme Court ordered that the members be sworn in.
More than a hundred supporters escorted the MPs back to party headquarters only a short distance from Parliament House after the swearing in ceremony .
Supporters happily sang and clapped all the way. On the main road Infront of the party headquarters supporters were there to usher their heroes inside the hall where an ava ceremony was held.
Party supporter Namulauulu Lavea Hawaii who spoke on the behalf of the supporters called last Friday a victory for the HRPP.
Also present at the celebration were members of Parliament who won their seats in the general elections but lost them to court petitions or resigned their seats.
Former MPs Leota Tima Leavai and Fuimaono Te’o were among them.
Fuimaono stated that the HRPP is no longer fighting for the party but fighting for the future of Samoa.
He asked the sworn in members to fight for the future of Samoa and not to allow any military style ways to take over in Samoa as seen in the previous days.
“ Our children in the future should grow up free.”
He wished the members well and assured them of their support.