Safata 2 MP Tuia Paepae Letoa Gives Evidence on Election Bribery Allegations

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 23 September 2026 – Safata 2 Member of Parliament, Tuia Paepae Pua Letoa, gave evidence in court today in the election petition alleging bribery against him.

The bribery charges are linked to the distribution of compensation money from the sunken HMNZS Manawanui at Safata in October 2024.

The Applicant’s counsel, Tofilau M. Leone Mailo questioned Tuia about a statement reported in the Samoa Observer on 19 March 2026 that quoted Tuia as saying, “When it happens, I will let you know,” referring to switching political parties.

Tuia denied saying these words, explaining he spoke in Samoan, saying “Afai ae tupu,” which he claims has a different meaning from what the newspaper reported.

Tofilau asked if the Samoa Observer had asked about his possible switch from the Human Rights Protection Party to the FAST Party because of rumours circulating at the time.

She also asked if Tuia had consulted with his district before officially joining FAST.

Tuia explained that consultations were held within the district, letting people express their opinions about what party he should switch to.

Tofilau presented documents including a letter dated 8 November addressed to then Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, signed by matais of Safata, and another letter dated 15 October 2025 addressed to the New Zealand High Commission with copies to Deputy Prime Minister, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o and the Minister of MNRE.

Tuia signed the letter as chairman of the Safata District Council (SDC), using the council’s letterhead in a letter dated 15 October 2025.

Tofilau pointed out that Tuia stated the SDC’s work on the compensation funds distribution ended on 22 December 2025, yet the council formally applied for incorporation the day before.

Tofilau questioned why Tuia would say the council’s work ended if the formal process to continue was underway, especially since the district had not yet received compensation and the amount per resident was still unknown.

Tuia said the council had different opinions about what to do next, and they decided the SDC would step down from making decisions about the compensation funds.

He said the government would take over the distribution from 22 December onwards.

When Tofilau recalled a witness from the SDC, Toleafoa Losalia Sagalala Niumata, she said she was not informed the council had been disabled.

Tuia responded that only he was informed about the government taking over the distribution process and expressed he trusted the government would handle the $10 million compensation properly.

Tofilau asked why Tuia did not mention in a Radio Polynesia interview that the SDC began the work of fund distribution, although he stated it in his affidavit.

Tuia replied that the interview was only about his personal views, saying that it was for him and him only.

He also admitted in court that after 22 December, he did not follow up on the distribution process once the SDC stepped back.

Justice Leiataulesa Darryl Clarke asked Tuia if the Safata District Council he chaired was the same as the government’s District Councils responsible for distributing district projects.

Tuia clarified the two are different entities.

This distinction made it difficult to register the SDC formally and open a bank account with the Bank South Pacific because of the similar names and functions.

Tuia also explained to defence counsel Muriel Lui that his thanks to the New Zealand High Commission and the Government of Samoa and the interview was to acknowledge their response to Safata’s requests and prayers.

Justice Leutele Mata Tuatagaloa asked if the SDC had been able to register and open an account, would they have received the $10 million compensation directly into their account. Tuia confirmed this was the case.

The case continues and defense will present another witness when the case resumes at 10:00 tomorrow (Thursday 24 Seoptember).