Duty calls for Nafo'i

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 14 March 2016, 12:00AM

When Parliament convenes for the first time in the next Parliamentary sitting on Friday, Gagaemauga No. 3 will have a new Member of Parliament.

That man is Nafo’itoa Tala’imanu Valu Keti Selemanu Peseta, a former Assistant Commissioner of Police.

Nafo’itoa defeated the former Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Fa’amoetauloa Faale Tumaalii with 838 to 746 votes.  With the result released during the weekend, Nafo’itoa said he is extremely excited about the future.

“This was my dream when as a young man, before I became a police officer,” he said. “It has always been my dream, but I waited for the right time, God’s calling.”

Nafo’i admitted that the wait for the official result had been anxious, especially since his opponent had led after the preliminary count.

“I felt like any other person. You have doubt in your mind. But with the hard work that you have done and knowing the calling and the work of God, I knew in my heart that I will get it.” 

 “I have a humble heart. I just thank the Lord because he selected me to take up this position. It is a different role from that I’m used to at the Police.”

Nafo’i said he has always admired the leadership role of Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi. 

“He’s the top guy,” he said.  “We have ups and downs but as we all see that actions speak louder than words.” 

He said there have been numerous developments in Samoa under the leadership of Tuilaepa, which is why he did not hesitate to run under the flag of H.R.P.P. 

“I was approached by the other party, but I did not accept it.”

Today, Nafoi said he is ready to play his part in the decision making of Parliament.

“I thank my family and my supporters, because without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said. 

Nafo’itoa also took the opportunity to thank Faamoetauloa Faale for all the good things that he had done for the constituency during the last five years. 

He acknowledged the work done by the former MPs Leota Lu II and Galuvao Viliamu.

Looking ahead, Nafoi said he would continue the existing projects that they’ve started and look at other developments that will benefit Gagaemauga No.3. 

“What’s best for Upolu is also best for Gagaemauga No.3,”said Nafoi. His main focus is to ensure that his constituents have equal opportunities in Education, Health, development of Tourism attractions, development of agriculture and as well as homeland security.  Nafo’itoa is 56-years of age. He hails from Avao, Savaii and is married to Susiana Faafouina- Keti. They have sixchildren. 

He’s been serving Samoa as a law enforcer for 35 years.

Nafo’itoa holds the chief title of Misa(Laaunafausia) from Falelatai, Fotuitaua(Atipouniu from Safotu, Fagamalo(Togia’i) Gataivai, Lepou from Vaitele Faleata and Taitu’uga (Gafa) of Maagiagi. 

He is a local preacher (Failauga ole Talalelei) of the Methodist Church of Samoa. and the owner of Top Security Services

Nafo’i thanked his village and his constituency for trusting him to become the new Member of Parliament for Gagaemauga No.3. 

Lastly, he acknowledged his Police family for their prayers and support.

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 14 March 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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