Public weigh in on Police dispute

By Deidre Fanene 16 November 2016, 12:00AM

Members of the public- it seems – are not in a hurry to choose sides in the ongoing feud within the Ministry of Police.

Following the second suspension of Police Commissioner, Fuiava Egon Keil based on fresh charges from the Police on Monday, members of the public the Samoa Observer spoke with yesterday are more interested in the Police getting their issues sorted.

Douglas Papu, 38, of Saoluafata, said the Police have given Samoa a bad name. “Political stability is very important to Samoa but what they’ve done is rocked that image,” he said.

“How can we expect a peaceful country if the Ministry of Police are at war?"

“I pray all those corrupt officers will be removed from the ministry as soon as possible. I’m not so sure of who’s right and who’s wrong but I pray that this matter will be solved soon.”

Leota Lemusu, of Solosolo, said the clash highlights issues that have been bubbling beneath the surface for a long time.

“I think there is too much dishonesty in the Ministry of Police nowadays,” said the 86-year-old.

“Looking at the way they are behaving, I’m very disappointed. They have shown no respect at all.  " “I heard they fought against each other. That’s very low in my opinion.” Leota said it’s time to call in Police officers from New Zealand and Australia to help.

“We’re not safe here anymore. Let them (Police in Samoa) fight and make sure to throw them all in prison.”

Liki Ah Sam, of Sale’imoa, said the people involved need to grow up. “The problem with the officers in the ministry is that they have too much pride and that makes them blind to their own faults and shortcomings,” the 48-year-old said.

“No one is perfect. In fact, when we admit we are at fault, that shows that we’re growing up, we understand.”

Paulo Amiga, from Falelauniu, is worried about a bigger issue.

“Personally, I think the differences at the Ministry of Police will spill into fights between the families involved and that will be very bad for Samoa,” he said.

“The Prime Minister should stop calling them (his children). Because that’s exactly what is happening, they are acting like children.”

For 48-year-old mother Tuese Tui, of Toamua, she wants a peaceful solution. “As a mother, we should all pray for peace in this country,” she said. “The Ministry of Police should remember that united we stand divided we fall. 

“We don’t know where the devil is targeting us most of the time but relying on God’s Arm will make it very easy for us to deal with the problem.”

By Deidre Fanene 16 November 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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