HRPP Deputy Leader Suspended from Parliament  

By Leapagatele Mila Mavaeao/

Apia, SAMOA – 27 October 2026 – In a swift enforcement of parliamentary discipline, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Member of Parliament for Anoama’a 2, Lauofo Nuafesili Pierre Lauofo, was suspended from the Legislative Assembly for 24 hours at 10.05 this morning.

Contempt of Committee
The disciplinary action was triggered at the commencement of parliamentary proceedings by Speaker Hon. Auapa’au Mulipola Aloitafua.

The Speaker informed the House that Lauofo had recently appeared on a local media broadcast where he allegedly ridiculed the Parliamentary Committee investigating treasonous allegations against himself, the Opposition Leader and HRPP Secretary.

The Speaker ruled that using public platforms to disparage a Parliamentary Committee, undermine the institutional integrity of the Legislative Assembly. He ruled the senior Opposition MP had breached the Standing Orders.

Lauofo took the floor and apologized and denied any intentions to undermine the Committee and its work through the words he used in the broadcast.

Government Decries Obstruction
Backing the Speaker’s findings, La’aulialemalietoa underscored the national implications of the opposition leader’s rhetoric, accusing him of intentionally disrupting state progress.

“The seriousness of these comments cannot be understated,” the Prime Minister told the House. “They serve only to sow seeds of doubt in the minds of the public at a time when the government is actively rolling out critical development initiatives designed for the betterment of the country.”

La’aulialemalietoa further signalled that the government would no longer tolerate public insubordination from the opposition benches, indicating that wider disciplinary measures may follow.

“There are other members across the aisle who are continually behaving in this manner,” the Prime Minister warned. “This requires urgent attention and institutional discipline from this Parliament.”

The Prime Minister said that he had in previous parliament sittings sought for reconciliation and moving forward after the general elections and the election of himself and his government.

But the attacks on social media continued. He said the persistent attacks on himself and the government by the Opposition MPs on social media have misled and caused public uncertainty and especially the public service.

The motion to suspend the HRPP Deputy Leader for 24 hours was moved by the Minister of Justice, Apulu Fesolai Tuigamala.

Return to the House
Following the passage of the motion, Lauofo was ordered to vacate the precinct immediately, precluding him from participating in Tuesday’s legislative debates.

Under the terms of the 24-hour sanction, the Deputy Opposition Leader is scheduled to resume his seat in the chamber tomorrow morning, Wednesday, October 28, 2026.