There’s a reported rift between Governor Lolo Moliga and Acting Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga.
Three administration officials confirmed to KHJ News that decisions made by Lemanu as acting governor have been changed by Governor Lolo and there’s been one instance where the acting governor has apparently refused to budge on a decision he made which the governor wanted changed.
Yesterday, Lemanu did not participate in a conference call with Governor Lolo and key cabinet members and Governor’s Office staff.
According to our sources, when told about the conference call, Lemanu said he was not available, got up and left his office. It was reported that he looked quite upset.
This was after a travel authorization for Lemanu’s trip to Honolulu was apparently disapproved by order of Governor Lolo.
Another matter which a decision by Lemanu was not endorsed by Governor Lolo was the financial assistance for Team American Samoa to the Pacific Games.
At a meeting that Lemanu had called with ASNOC officials and all the sports federations leaders in May, the acting Governor had assured them of up to $100,000 in ASG funding.
However, a key aide of Governor Lolo contacted ASNOC later and said that the acting governor may have been too quick to pledge that assistance without prerequisite approval.
Nonetheless, ASNOC did receive $20,000 from ASG last week to help defray the costs of sending the team to Samoa for the regional games.
KHJ News has also been informed that Governor Lolo did not agree with Lemanu’s removal of former Director of Youth and Women Affairs Jonathan Fanene before his domestic violence case has been adjudicated.
Our sources say that the Governor wanted the termination memo rescinded; however, Lemanu isn’t budging.
Governor Lolo, who left in early February, is scheduled to return home next Tuesday.
