By Staff Writer
Judge Lesatele Rapi Vaai as of today, is officially the new President of the Land and Titles Court.
The Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II, swore in the new head of the Court at his official state residence at Vailele this morning.
Controversy, however, surrounds the appointment of President Lesatele who takes over from the former office holder, President Fepulea’i Atila Ropati.
The forced removal of Fepulea’i from office on a directive from the Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, has sparked debate on the legality of the Government action.
The former President is reportedly challenging the basis of the Government decision in the relations to the general legal understanding that the office bearer can only be removed by a two-thirds majority vote in Parliament.
The former Prime Minister and opposition HRPP leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, has blasted the controversial directive by PM Fiame as “….unparalled in the democracy of Samoa since it became independent in 1962.”
A full turn out of the Judiciary members attended the swearing in before the Head of State and Masiofo Fa’amausili, Council of Deputies Member, Le Mamea Ropati and PM Fiame.
Chief Justice Simativa Perese and Speaker of the House, Papali’i Taeu Masepa’u, were in attendance also.
Ministers of Cabinet joined family members and friends at the morning ceremony as well.