On Wednesday, 5 March 2024, the Minister of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Va'ai, on behalf of the cabinet, formally submitted a motion to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Papali’i Li’o Taeu Masipau, and his Deputy, Auapa’au Mulipola Aloitafua, calling for their resignation.

The motion, based on multiple grounds, has sparked significant discussion and is rooted in concerns over the integrity of the Parliament and the relationship between the three branches of government—executive, legislature, and judiciary.

The motion also asked the Speaker for the motion to be tabled and deliberated in the House.

- Grounds for the Motion:

-Conflict of Interest: Olo cited a clear conflict of interest, referring to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker’s involvement in a letter dated 15 January 2025. In the letter, both signatures were visible, endorsing an attempt by the FAST party to remove the Prime Minister and five other Cabinet Ministers. Olo emphasised that this action directly undermines the impartiality of the Speaker's office and questions the fairness of the legislative process.

-Undermining Parliament's Integrity: The Minister expressed concerns that the Speaker and Deputy Speaker’s actions undermine the integrity of Parliament itself. Their involvement in political manoeuvres, such as attempting to remove the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers, runs counter to the principles of an independent and balanced legislature.

- Violation of Separation of Powers: Olo argued that the Speaker should have been more cautious and adhered to the separation of powers principle. By signing the letter, the Speaker encroached on executive matters, potentially destabilizing the important balance between the three arms of government.

- Improper Exercise of Discretion: Olo criticised the Speaker’s decision to entertain a second motion of no confidence, despite Parliament already deliberating on it the previous week. Olo noted that this reflects a misuse of the Speaker’s discretion and authority, deviating from established parliamentary procedure and the Standing Orders of Parliament.

- Failure to Uphold Democratic Practices: While acknowledging the opposition’s right to question the government through motions of no confidence, Olo underscored that the Speaker’s actions reflect an irregular application of parliamentary protocols, further evidenced by the fact that the same members who rejected the opposition's motion of no confidence last week are now bringing forward a second attempt.

- Olo also cited the Speaker's announcement as recorded in Parliamentary Hansards on 21 January, 2025 where the Speaker declared that he would not entertain a motion of no confidence in parliament.

Olo highlighted that these actions not only raise concerns over the impartiality of the Speaker but also challenge the fundamental principles of democratic governance. He urged the Speaker and Deputy Speaker to step down in light of these issues, which have disrupted the balance of power and the functioning of the legislative body.