The former Executive Director of the Office of Insular Affairs, Department of Interior, Nikolao Pula, issued a statement last night, concerning a KHJ News report aired Monday — relating to his departure from OIA.
He said, “I was not asked to comment prior to the article being published and I, now, want to clarify a few of the major inaccuracies.”
“First, I was never asked to leave the Department of the Interior (DOI). My retirement was completely voluntary. I was planning to retire in early 2023, however, when our house in Virginia sold more quickly than anticipated, we decided to move the date up. We chose Montana because we have family here, who are facing medical challenges and we felt it important to be closer, to offer help to them as needed.”
“Second, I did write an email (not a letter), in early March. In it, I expressed frustration with the choice of Assistant Secretary, which, once again, did not reflect the areas over which DOI has jurisdiction. Never was this intended to reflect poorly on the Nominee.”
“Third, in reading and rereading the article, the question in the forefront of my mind is … why someone would write this, knowing that it was based on a premise that was flawed. Who would stand to gain by trying to embarrass me in my home territory?”
Pula continued, “As a person of faith and someone who has great respect for our Samoan culture, I want my family, my friends, and the readers of Talanei to know [that] I am doing well and am grateful each day for God’s continued blessings.”
“May God bless each of you, Soifua ma ia Manuia.”
