Last week, KHJ News reported that an ASG employee whose contract was terminated by Chief of Staff Leonard Seumanutafa had been reinstated by Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr.
The Chief of Staff sent a May 30 letter to Enele Lefano, Manu’a Director of Operations, informing him that the Governor’s Office no longer needed his services and his employment had been terminated.
However, Lt. Governor Pulumataala, in a June 10 letter to the Chief of Staff, wrote that he was notifying Lefano to continue his services and for Seumanutafa to rescind the letter of termination that he sent to Lefano.
In the same letter, the Lt. Governor said he found it inappropriate that the Chief of Staff had issued the termination letter when the agreement as a political appointee with the ASG “is at the will of the Governor.” He said, “Nowhere in this political appointee at-will contract mentions a delegation of the Governor and Lt. Governor authority for you to terminate a contract that was signed by the Governor and discussed with me as the Lt. Governor.”
On Wednesday, the Governor’s Office issued a statement to “provide clarity and reaffirm its commitment to transparent governance regarding Mr. Enele Lefano’s role as Director of the ASG Manu’a Office.”
According to the statement, Article IV, Section 4 of the Constitution of American Samoa gives the governor executive authority to appoint and remove officials, encompassing roles such as the Director of the Manu’a Office. Article IV, Section 7 permits the Governor to delegate such authority at his discretion. “Governor Pula delegated administrative oversight of this matter, to Chief of Staff Leonard Seumanutafa, whose role includes advising the Governor and managing office operations.”
The statement also refers to Article IV, Section 12 of the Constitution under which the Lt. Governor assumes certain responsibilities in the governor’s absence.
“However, during Lt. Governor Pulu’s temporary unavailability due to travel and health matters,” said the statement, “certain staff members inadvertently deviated from established protocols. This resulted in the issuance of correspondence and advice without comprehensive counsel, leading to unintended confusion and distress for Mr. Lefano and Lt. Governor Pulu.”
The statement goes on to say that the Governor’s Office deeply regrets this procedural oversight and extends sincere apologies to Mr. Lefano and the public for any resultant uncertainty. Personnel decisions such as terminations are made with careful consideration as they impact individuals and their families. Out of respect for Mr. Lefano’s privacy, specific personnel details will remain confidential.”
The statement concludes with these words: “We urge our community to prioritize unity and mindfulness, especially on social media where words can divide rather than unite our aiga. Governor Pula and Lt. governor Pulu remain resolute in their united mission to serve the people of American Samoa. This administration is dedicated to fostering trust and delivering effective governance through the vital work of the Manu’a Office. The Governor’s Office appreciates the public’s understanding and pledges to uphold the highest standards of transparency and service moving forward.”
KHJ News has asked the Governor’s Office for clarification on whether Mr. Lefano has been reinstated or if his services have been terminated. If so, who is currently serving as the Director of Manu’a Operations? In the spirit of transparency, we’ve also asked for an explanation of the part of the statement which says certain staff members inadvertently deviated from established protocols. What exactly happened?
