Resignation ‘joke’ backfires on Church T.V. News Editor

By Joyetter Luamanu 04 November 2017, 12:00AM

The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) has terminated the services of E.F.K.S. TV News Editor and Senior Reporter, Rula Su’a Vaai.

The termination follows a “joke” she allegedly made to get the media to attend a Press Conference they had called to promote a new Christmas singing programme called 12 Joyful Nights.

In a letter from the General Manager of E.F.K.S, Su’a Henry Fruean to the Samoa Observer, he said Mrs. Sua-Vaai had joked that the press conference was to announce that the chairman of the Congregational Christian Church had stepped down from Office.

Her intention, according to the letter, was to draw as many members of the media to the press conference. 

“She did this to get the attention of the media to attend a press conference when it actuality it was to announced the 12 Joyful nights,” Su’a writes. 

“However what was stated is not true.” 

Su’a said the matter was reported by Talamua.com implicating the Chairman was to step down. 

“And as a result, the decision by the Committee is to terminate Rula Sua Vaai’s services,” said Su’a in his letter.  

Mrs. Su’a-Vaai has been the News Editor for E.F.K.S. T.V. for more than a year. 

When the Sunday Samoan contacted Mrs. Su’a-Vaai for a comment, she disputed the decision saying it was unfair.

“That letter (from the General Manager) confirms that I did not publicly announce nor publicize what the E.F.K.S. Executive have accused me of.” 

Mrs. Su’a-Vaai said she was assured by the Chairman that nothing was going to happen. 

But things have certainly changed. She told the Sunday Samoan that a family member of the Chairman had contacted her and made verbal threats against her on Thursday, hours before she was informed that her employment has been terminated. 

“This kind of abuse including threatening remarks was made against me and my family about 9:43 and by 3pm, I got a phone call to see the Secretary General Reverend Vavatau Taufao where he handed me the termination letter without any questions." 

“What confuses me is the trust and assurances, given during a face-to-face conversation with the Chairman; two weeks ago.”

She further stated a criminal complaint has been lodged against the family member of the Chairman. 

“If you need more information contact my lawyer,” she told the Sunday Samoan. 

Mrs. Su’a-Vaai has been the Editor for E.F.K.S. T.V. for more than a year. 

It was not possible to get a comment from the Chairman of the Church yesterday.

By Joyetter Luamanu 04 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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