Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva has fired Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni and Finance Minister Tēvita Lavemaau, a cabinet spokesperson told Kaniva News today.
It is understood Sovaleni and Lavemaau were dismissed effective from Friday, September 1 at 5pm.
Hon. Pōhiva was very disappointed with the ministers, the spokesperson said.
The Ministers were allegedly involved in a conspiracy which led to the king’s decision to dissolve Parliament and order fresh general election in November to replace the current MPs and cabinet.
Lord Maʻafu has been appointed the new Deputy Prime Minister while Hon. Poasi Tei took over Sovaleniʻs Minisitry of MEIDECC.
Dr Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa is the new Minister of Finance.
The dismissals came after TBC news Producer Viola Ulakai asked Hon. Pōhiva during a press conference in Nukuʻalofa on Tuesday whether it was true some of his ministers were being investigated in which the Prime Minister denied.
Hon. Pōhiva said he was satisfied and calm and all the Ministers were still in cabinet.
Ulakai told Hon. Pōhiva his son-in-law, Police Minister Māteni Tapueluelu, told TBC news some Ministers had been investigated.
Hon. Pōhiva said if anything would come up it will be dealt with accordingly.
Sovaleni and Lavemaau have been contacted for comment.
