Safata 2 MP files a strike out motion against bribery allegations

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 6 August 2026: The Safata 2 Member of Parliament, Tuia Paepae Pua Letoa through his lawyer Muriel Lui, has filed a strike out motion against the bribery allegations filed against him by Leleua Suataga Aso.

Lui confirmed that they are not filing a counter petition but will only respond to the allegations.

Leleua’s petition against Tuia is based on the distribution of compensation funds from the New Zealand Government for the HMNZS Manawanui that sank off the Safata coast in October 2024.

Leleua is challenging the timing the funds were distributed to the Safata 2 residents which he said was close to the district’s by-election where Tuia was elected last month.

He believes the distribution was done after the election campaign period and influenced the outcome of the by-election.