The sacking of Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Laauli Leuatea Schmidt should not surprise those who believe in good governance, transparency, accountability and the rule of law.

It has taken real courage for Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa to dismiss Laauli from his ministerial post. She has gone against the wishes of the majority of the members of parliament from the Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party.

It is often said that when you stand for righteousness, you stand alone. People who believe in good governance and the rule of law know that Fiame has acted like a true leader.

Fiame should be applauded for doing the right thing for the nation, its people, and the rule of law. She had asked Laauli to step down himself, but the founder and chairman of the FAST party was defiant to the very end.

Even a day before his sacking, he took to social media to claim his defiance. Power is addictive and those who have had a taste of it, find it very hard to let go even when it is the right thing to do. For Laauli to step down voluntarily would have shown him to be a virtuous man. A leader who believes in accountability.

Fiame would have been faced with a predicament leading up to the decision. She knew she would not be popular among her party members. She chose to do what any good leader would. She chose good governance and the welfare of the nation.

History has repeatedly shown that progress, justice, and positive change often emerge from the courageous act of standing alone for what is right. It's a testament to individual strength, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to values, beliefs, and purpose.

As the leader of the party, the constitution empowers Fiame to do so. Laauli’s continued defiance also shows insubordination. The failure to follow the decisions handed by the leader of the party.  

There will be divided opinions amongst the public and the supporters of the FAST party about what transpired on Friday, but the right thing has been done. There will be some who feel that Laauli has been wronged. There are legal avenues that the minister can explore if he feels that way.

Laauli was charged with 10 criminal offences. If the police did not have substantive evidence to lay charges, they would not waste the court’s time. The fact is that the charges have been laid. The matter is before the court, people including Laauli should let the rule of law take its course.

As good leaders have done globally, when faced with criminal charges, almost all have stepped down to allow the law to take its course. Laauli remains a member of parliament and perhaps now he will have more time to spend with his voters in Savaii.

As a leader who has a lot of followers, Laauli can call for peace, and calm and for everyone to follow the rule of law. Laauli can also call on the various FAST party fake profiles to stop spreading misinformation about what has transpired.

These are trying times for the nation. Everyone should follow the rule of the law. This way, we can ensure that everyone is contributing to the prosperity of the nation.