No one is above the law. The directions given by the court need to be followed and they apply to everyone despite social and political ranking.

Early this week, the Supreme Court found Member of Parliament for Sagaga No.2 Maulolo Tavita Amosa and others from the village of Afega guilty of contempt of court in an ongoing land dispute at Leauvaa.

The Supreme Court has upheld what is lawful and the conviction should be a lesson to people who believe that they are above the law. We have the laws and courts for a reason and the orders by the court are lawful directives that need to be adhered to.

The matter between Afega and Leauvaa is a complex one and one that the court is dealing with. While that happens, it is important that everyone involved follows the orders of the court to prevent complicating things further.

On Monday, Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese found that Maulolo, businessman Ututaaloga Charlie Ulia, Fata Roketi and Fata Vaafai Tolutasi were in contempt of the court’s order dated 11 October 2024.

The decision follows an application from Leauvaa families of contempt of court from those in Afega.

The Chief Justice pointed to an admission from Maulolo that Afega’s intent to continue evicting the people of Leauvaa pierces any veil that the respondents are not responsible for the actions of those carrying out the intimidation, threats and inflicting damage.

The M.P. made the admission in an interview with TV1 which was exhibited in court during the trial last week.  

“The defiance is intentional and the suggestion that they do not need to follow the order of the court lessens respect for the court,” said the Chief Justice.

“The defiance puts a completely different complexion on the allegations of dangerous, intimidating and ugly behaviour referred to in the uncontested affidavits filed on behalf of the applicants.

“Rather than random acts of vandalism and ill-considered actions, there appears in fact a strategy or response to ignore this court’s orders.”

Such acts show people who assume power believe that they can be above the law and direct people who are subordinates to do their bidding irrespective of what the law states.

Laws are rules that bind all people living in a community. Laws protect our general safety and ensure our rights as citizens against abuses by other people, organisations, and the government itself.  We have laws to help provide for our general safety. 

If parties involved in the Afega and Leauvaa matter are unhappy, there is a proper process to follow - they have a right to appeal to the Court of Appeal. This is what the respondents and their advisers failed to appreciate.

The Supreme Court’s order represents the law, whether you agree or disagree with it and everyone must obey. When people do not follow the law, chaos ensues. This is what is happening between Leauvaa and Afega. We are seeing people’s lives plummet into chaos. Families are living in fear and children are suffering.

There are acts of violence because a group of people believe they are above the law. The laws are there for a reason. That is what sets us apart as a society. As leaders and chiefs, we are duty-bound to set an example of being law-abiding citizens. Not the other way aroun