Just and fair leaders are incorruptible. They do not let power get into their heads and do not abuse authority dictatorially.

Abuse of power by matai is becoming too common in many villages. Some chiefs can use their authority to mistreat people. It seems that is what has happened in Vaitoomuli in Savaii. Last year, Autagavai Upa and his family were banished because he had inquired about a piece of land used under the district development project. The matai who did not like the questioning, exiled the man and his family.

Feeling his constitutional rights were violated, the man sought the help of the legal system. The Lands and Titles Court ruled in favour of Autagavai. The court ruled that banishment was unjust and he was allowed to return.

Upon his return, he is first told that he has to work like an untitled man and then later a decision is made that no one in the village is to interact with him. It has come to the extent where food has to be sneaked to his family. Where is the justice in this?

He has been exiled within his own village. His home has become a prison. It seems that the village council has reacted to the decision of the court. They have said they will abide by the court’s decision but still show that we have the power here by making a man an outcast in his home. This was done because a man questioned the use of public money.

He asked for transparency and accountability. In return, he was unjustly punished. This is not a good example of leadership. This shows that even if a person rightfully stands up for transparency and justice, he or she can still be punished. This shows that no one can question how the district council or village council can use money which belongs to the people.

Villages have by-laws but most are unwritten laws, can be invented and are often open to abuse by those who hold power. A matai used his influence for a personal vendetta or in this case, a political motive.

This is unjust. The way village councils operate is a complex issue and what is getting out of hand is that some matai think they are above the law. This is something legislators need to look into. Village bylaws need to be written and then approved in the same way any law does.

There should also be a consultation with all leaders and they made aware of how the rule of law works and the rights enshrined in the Constitution of Samoa, the supreme law of this land. Some may not know what they are doing is wrong while some know it, but do it because they have the power to do so.

Laws are there to protect people, not to subject them to abuse. Laws protect our general safety, and ensure our rights as citizens against abuses by other people, by organisations, and by the government itself.

Without laws, society would descend into chaos and anarchy. Laws act as a deterrent, discouraging individuals from engaging in harmful or criminal activities. They set boundaries and establish consequences for those who violate societal norms.

Tradition and culture are a big part of the Samoan society. They should never be used as a means to exert abuse or break laws. We have a Constitution, the supreme law of the land and other various laws that help keep peace and order.

So how is it that some communities in Samoa – whose Constitution states that we are a sovereign nation founded in God – continue to practice these acts of targetting innocent citizens in this day and age?

Is this normal for a modern-day democracy such as ours based on the multiple human rights conventions and treaties that we’ve signed with various international bodies as a member of the global community of nations?

As matai, they are leaders of their villages and communities. They have the power to good, be just and fair. They should not let political or personal grudges come in the way of decision making. They are traditionally empowered to care for the people and not subject them to abuse.

Have a good weekend Samoa.