It appears that the PM reshuffled ministerial portfolios without informing the people concerned.

To complicate matters further yesterday, following the official opening of the PIFL meeting in Apia, PM Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva told Radio NZ that he had not dismissed his Deputy PM, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni and the Minister of Finance, Hon. Tevita Lavemaau as was rumoured.

However, the Deputy PM Sovaleni confirmed today that in fact he had received his letter of dismissal yesterday, 4 September, and on the very same day, copies of letters from the PM, dated 4 September, dismissing two ministers were released to the overseas media.

Paralysed

The confusing contradictions have paralyzed the Prime Minister’s Office in Nuku’alofa.

While the PM, his Personal Assistant, the Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet are overseas, staff at the PMO could not confirm or deny the news that had been circulated by Radio NZ.

Hon. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, the Minister of Commerce, Labour, Trade and Revenue Collection was also reported to have become the Minister of Finance and National Planning, even though he admitted to overseas media that he did not know that he was.

Lord Ma’afu, the Minister of Land and Natural Resources, and His Majesty’s Armed Forces was also reported to be the Acting Prime Minister, but he too did not know that he was made Acting Prime Minister.

Hon. Poasi Tei, the Minister for Public Enterprises was also reported to be now the Minister for MEIDECC.

The Prime Minister’s office before 4.30 pm today told Matangi Tonga that that they were working on a press statement that would be released between 6- 7pm this evening. They said the Press Release would detail all the information about the new composition of the Caretaker Government.

Well, by 7:30pm there was no Press Release, and there is no one answering the PMO’s office telephone so, presumably, they have all gone home.

REFER: Cabinet Ministers [2]