Deputy Prime Minister Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo is meeting with the Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAT) and the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (MPMC) to address concerns about Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt's unofficial meetings during his medical leave in New Zealand.

The meeting is also to discuss a doctored photograph of Laaulialemalietoa sitting in an armchair, when he was not. 

The meeting, which began around noon on Thursday in Toelupe’s office on the fifth floor of the Government Building, follows ongoing scrutiny sparked by the Samoa Observer’s recent reports. Sources close to the matter confirmed that discussions include the controversial altered image showing the Prime Minister sitting on a fake chair during a meeting with New Zealand Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters.

The altered photograph, which was widely shared online, raised doubts about the legitimacy of the 19 October meeting between the two leaders. John Tulloch, senior press secretary to Minister Peters, confirmed that the meeting did indeed take place, but declined to verify the doctored image. “I can’t vouch for this photo,” he told the Samoa Observer in an email, referencing the digitally manipulated image, which still shows traces of the Prime Minister’s wheelchair.

In addition to the doctored photo, questions have been raised over the Prime Minister’s official activities while on medical leave. Sources have confirmed that Laaulialemalietoa was advised against holding official meetings with foreign dignitaries without senior government officials from MFAT and MPMC present, in line with government protocols. These protocols are meant to ensure that the Prime Minister receives necessary briefings and policy guidance during foreign engagements.

Despite this advice, the Prime Minister proceeded with meetings with Vaovasamanaia and representatives from the Israeli government, both of which took place at the Samoan Consulate in Māngere, Auckland, without the attendance of senior MPMC or MFAT officials.

Sources familiar with the matter said, “He was advised against holding meetings in New Zealand, given that he is on medical leave and not on official duty travel. Such meetings should include the CEOs of MPMC and MFAT to ensure the Prime Minister receives the necessary guidance.”

The Samoa Observer witnessed both CEOs, Agafili Shem Leo of MPMC and Peseta Noumea Simi of MFAT, inside the Deputy Prime Minister’s office during today’s meeting. Efforts by the Samoa Observer to obtain further comment from the two CEOs were unsuccessful as of press time.

The meeting between Toelupe and the two CEOs is to address the fallout from the controversies surrounding the Prime Minister’s medical leave and foreign engagements, with potential implications for government procedures moving forward.