Court orders reasons why petition & counter-petition be withdrawn

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 29 October 2025: Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese has called on the counsels representing Tuiloma Lance Lameko (Petitioner) and Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo (Respondent) to submit reasons why they applied to withdraw the petition and counterpetition.

Tuiloma and Toelupe competed for the Falealili 1 parliamentary seat which Toelupe won and is currently the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works, Infrastructure and Transport (MWIT).

Tuiloma’s counsel Alex Sua informed the court of his client’s intention to withdraw the petition against Toelupe and Muriel Lui for Toelupe also informed the court of their intention to withdraw the counter petition

The Chief Justice however asked counsels to formally submit applications to withdraw and to give the grounds why they wish to withdraw, and the court will decide.

He said the Supreme Court is the guardian of the truth and there have been concerns on how the constituency’s election was conducted.

He also said there have been some kind of influence over the witnesses and the Supreme court protects the rights of people.

He welcomed counsels to argue their application for leave and the matter will be recalled today.

The same goes for the Fa’asalelelaga 2 petition and counter petition between Magele Sekati Fiaui, Petitioner and the elected Member of Parliament, Vaaelua Senetenari Samau, the Respondent.

Justice Vui Clarence Nelson raised similar issues and both sides to present reasons why they want to withdraw and the matter is also recalled today.

The Falealili 2 hearing into bribery allegations against the MP Fuimaono Tito Asafo continues today.