The former Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa National Provident Fund, Papalii Panoa Tavita has made it clear the claims made over the unpaid SPNF lands used as prizes for the Siusega Catholic Church raffle were not directed to the church.
In a press conference to counter the call for an apology, Papalii explained the land in question was obtained through Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi during his time as Prime Minister.
“I did not criticize the Church, it was Tuilaepa that [allegedly] misused the [SNPF] lands
To the Si’usega Catholic Church, Papalii said: “I am not accusing the church, and I apologise to the church members and the Priest, but again the matter at hand, it’s against Tuilaepa. It is between me and Tuilaepa.
In a press conference this week, Tuilaepa said the Catholic Church in Si’usega in which he’s a member is demanding a public apology from Papalii, over claims the church used SNPF lands for its raffle but never paid for it.
Tuilaepa said the allegations against his church will not be taken lightly and they intend to take this matter to court and have given Papalii a week to make amends and that this should be a lesson to Papali’i.
