High Chief Faiivae is Secretary of Samoan Affairs

January 8, 2025 News Leave a reply
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High Chief Faiivae Alex Godinet Iuli has confirmed that he is the new Secretary of Samoan Affairs. In a phone interview with KHJ News yesterday, Faiivae said he has accepted Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula and Lt. Governor Pulu Ae Ae Jr.’s decision for him to head the Office of Local Government as Secretary of Samoan Affairs.

He said he met with the Governor and Lt. Governor on Monday, where his appointment was made official. And he started as Secretary of Samoan Affairs yesterday.

Faiivae said that there are many matai and land matters before the Office of Samoan Affairs at this time which need to be resolved. One of the issues he raised with the leaders was for legal counsel from the Attorney General’s Office to provide assistance for Samoan Affairs.

Faiivae told KHJ News he also shared with the Governor and Lt. Governor his reservations in accepting the post, because only paramount chiefs have served as Secretary of Samoan Affairs.

But Pula and Pulu said they have looked at the law and there is no requirement that the appointee is a paramount chief.

The position of Secretary of Samoan Affairs is provided in the Constitution which states, “The Secretary of Samoan Affairs shall be appointed by the Governor from among the leading registered matais. He shall hold office during the pleasure of the Governor. The Secretary of Samoan Affairs shall be the head of the Depart­ment of Local Government. In conjunction with the District Governors he shall co-ordinate the administration of the district, county, and village affairs as provided by law and also in con­junction with the District Governors he shall supervise all ceremonial functions as provided by law.”

Faiivae is a former Senator for Fofo District, but resigned in June of 2023 to become Western District Governor, following the passing of Fuamatu Vito Fuamatu.

He is also President of the Football Federation of American Samoa and Chairman of the Diocesan Council of the Diocese of Samoa-Pago Pago. He headed the local field office of the late Congressman Faleomavega Eni Hunkin for many years.