Three members of the Council of Deputies took their oath of office on Tuesday administered by Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese at the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi (TATTE) Convention Centre. 

It was a special moment for the office holders whose swearing-in was witnessed by family, friends, people from their constituencies and government officials. 

The Council of Deputies are; Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Malietoa Moli II Malietoa, and Le Laulu Tiatia Mapesone Mapusua. 

Tui Atua spoke on behalf of the appointees acknowledging the Lord for this memorable day.

He thanked the government for entrusting them with the prestigious appointments and said they will continue to serve the country. 

Le Laulu echoed the same sentiment feeling overwhelmed by his calling. He expressed his willingness to render his service where it is required for the development of Samoa. 

Malietoa on the other hand said he would do his best to serve the people of Samoa and thanked the Lord for his appointment. 

Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa congratulated the new Council of Deputies and took time to commend former council member, Le Mamea Ropati Mualia for his time in office since 2016. 

She referenced the Constitution of Samoa in which the nation's forefathers had put in roles and responsibilities of the Council of Deputies to support the role of the Head of State. 

Fiame said such appointments are not new to the office holders acknowledging Tui Atua who previously served in the position. 

She wished the appointees good health and wisdom to execute their duties and responsibilities. 

Tui Atua was the former Head of State from 2007 until 2017 and was previously a member of the Council of Deputies with the now Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Sualauvi Vaaletoa II. 

Malietoa Moli is the son of the former Head of State the late Malietoa Tanumafili II of Malie and Sapapalii. 

He was bestowed the prestigious title after it was vacant for more than a decade enduring many court cases over his selection and appointment. 

Le Laulu of Gataivai Palauli Savaii is the son of the former Member of Parliament for Palauli le Falefa, Mapusua Malo in 1967 sitting when the Legislative Assembly consisted of 47 members.

He holds the high ranking title or papa from the district of Palauli and previously contested general election under the Fa’atuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) banner and Tautua Samoa Party in previous election.